Coup attempt feared in Guinea-Bissau as gunfire heard around government palace

A coup attempt against the government of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo is feared in Guinea-Bissau as gunfire was heard around the government palace on Tuesday. 

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) released a statement on Twitter saying a coup attempt is occurring in the small West African country. 

“ECOWAS condemns the coup attempt and holds the military responsible for the physical integrity of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and members of his government,” the statement reads

“ECOWAS asks the military to return to their barracks and maintain a republican posture,” it added.

A state broadcaster reported that the government palace was damaged by shooting and some elected officials are being held hostage, according to The Associated Press.

Embalo was elected in 2019, although the results were contested by his opponent. 

The president was reportedly in the building during the coup attempt on Tuesday. Guinea-Bissau has had four coups and dozens of attempted coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, the AP noted. 

“We strongly condemn the attack on the Government Palace in Bissau and call for an immediate end to this violent action against the President and Government of Guinea-Bissau,” Portugal’s Foreign Ministry tweeted. “The constitutional order must be respected by all.”

The country of 1.5 million people is surrounded by nations who have seen military-led coups in the past two years, including Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.