The opposition leader in Guinea-Bissau, Fernando Dias, declares himself free.

The opposition leader in Guinea-Bissau, Fernando Dias, declares

himself free. Fernando Dias, opposition leader in Guinea-Bissau and presidential candidate for the Social Renewal Party, has publicly declared himself free amidst the election chaos and the military coup attempt. The election was marred by controversy, including the disqualification of the main opposition party, PAIGC, and accusations of an “institutional coup” by incumbent Umaro Sissoco Embaló. Both Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa declared themselves the winners beforehand, but official results were never released. Instead, on November 26, a coup attempt took place: military forces under Brigadier General Dinis Incanha arrested Embaló, deposed him, suspended the election process, closed borders, and imposed a curfew. Dias claimed victory in the presidential election of November 23, 2025, citing poll results that showed over 50% support and thus made a runoff unnecessary. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló's camp, however, disputed these claims. Tensions escalated after the disputed election. On November 26, soldiers arrested Embaló and high-ranking officials and appointed Major General Horta Inta-A as interim president for one year. In a video, Dias claimed he had escaped arrest through a "back entrance" and accused Embaló of staging a "fake coup" to prevent defeat. Dias called for protests demanding the release of the election results and endorsed former Prime Minister Domingos Simões Pereira, who had been barred from running. He also called for national liberation from alleged interference. Dias Civil society shares concerns about election fraud, even though life in Bissau had returned to normal by November 27. This marks another episode of instability in Guinea-Bissau's history, which has been marked by coups. Civil society shares fears of election fraud, even though life in Bissau had returned to normal by November 27. This marks another episode of instability in Guinea-Bissau's history of coups. @https://apnews.com/article/guinea-bissau-coup-west-africa-embalo-dias-e4f934094d4c96730473dd16bc8f0259 @https://en.sputniknews.africa/20251127/1080914501.html @https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ-UFZdR1O0 @https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/guinea-bissau-opposition-demands-vote-results-after-army-officers-seize-power-2025-11-27/ @https://saharareporters.com/2025/11/26/armed-men-arrest-guinea-bissau-president-embalo-three-others-amid-post-election-tensions