Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau on Thursday revealed a new junta leader, solidifying their forceful takeover of power that followed the country’s recent presidential election.
The military high command appointed Gen. Horta Inta-A as head of the military government, which will manage a one-year transition period, according to a declaration broadcast on state television.
“The inability of political actors to stem the deterioration of the political climate ultimately prompted the intervention of the armed forces,” said Inta-A, who had served as the army chief of staff before the coup and was a close ally of deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
Embaló’s location remained unknown Thursday. He told French media on Wednesday that soldiers had arrested him as gunfire erupted near the presidential palace.
Meanwhile, the opposition claimed Embaló had staged the coup to avoid losing Sunday’s closely contested presidential election.
The military takeover and Embaló’s reported arrest were “fabricated” to disrupt election results expected Thursday, according to his rival Fernando Dias, who, like Embaló, also claimed victory.
The Associated Press could not independently verify Dias’ claims.
The opposition African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, along with Dias, had urged residents to protest against the coup and demand the release of election results. However, on Thursday morning, life in the capital Bissau appeared largely normal, with businesses reopening and public transport gradually resuming.
