Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Bissau, Guinea-Bissau’s capital, on Friday to denounce last month’s military coup and demand the release of opposition figures. The demonstration turned tense as protesters clashed with security forces while calling for the freedom of Domingos Pereira, leader of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, who was reportedly detained during the takeover.
The coup was announced by military officers days after a presidential election and just hours before official results were expected. Both President Umaro Embaló and his main challenger, Fernando Dias da Costa, had declared victory ahead of the electoral commission’s announcement. Following the takeover, the junta installed Major-General Horta Inta-a as interim leader of the Portuguese-speaking West African nation.
In response, the Economic Community of West African States suspended Guinea-Bissau from the regional bloc pending the restoration of constitutional order. The decision was reached during an emergency virtual summit of ECOWAS leaders, who are set to meet again on Sunday to consider possible sanctions. The junta has since unveiled a 12-month transitional charter barring the interim leadership from contesting future elections.