Nigeria TV Info

General Horta N’Tam Sworn In as Guinea-Bissau’s Transitional Leader After Sudden Military Takeover

Guinea-Bissau has entered a new phase of political uncertainty as General Horta N’Tam was sworn in on Thursday as the country’s transitional head of state, barely 24 hours after a sudden military takeover unsettled the nation.

The army administered the oath at its headquarters in a brief and subdued ceremony. N’Tam, who once led the presidential guard, stood stiffly during the swearing-in, flanked by armed officers — a scene that captured the tense atmosphere surrounding the abrupt shift in power.

According to the military, N’Tam will serve as transitional president for one year.

The development has triggered sharp reactions across the country. Civil society organisations have accused outgoing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of colluding with the military to stage what they called a “simulated coup.” They claim the manoeuvre was intended to stop the release of the presidential election results scheduled for Thursday, amid fears Embaló might lose at the polls.

Fernando Dias, Embaló’s main challenger, has backed the allegations, insisting that the takeover was orchestrated to undermine the democratic process. Embaló has not issued any public response to the accusations.

The situation has raised concerns among regional observers who fear Guinea-Bissau may be heading toward deeper instability as the political crisis unfolds.