Guinea-Bissau Junta Dismisses Embaló Ally

Guinea-Bissau’s military junta has dismissed a senior officer linked to ousted president Umaro Sissoco Embaló, continuing a series of removals targeting figures associated with the former leader.

Senior military officer removed

General Horta N’tam, head of the military junta, dismissed Lieutenant-General Sadji Fati with immediate effect, according to a decree seen by AFP.

Fati previously served as defence minister and military adviser under Embaló. He later headed the presidential civil office at the palace.

Junta tightens control after coup

Fati’s dismissal follows other personnel changes within Guinea-Bissau’s defence and security forces since Embaló was overthrown. Several members of his presidential guard and officers considered close to him have reportedly been removed from influential positions.

The junta has also dismissed Interior Minister General Mama Saliu Embaló and Fisheries Minister Maria Da Cruz Correia, both regarded as allies of the former president.

Election uncertainty continues

The military seized power on November 26, one day before provisional results from presidential and legislative elections were scheduled to be announced. The junta suspended the electoral process, prompting suspicions among observers that Embaló may have orchestrated the takeover to prevent an apparent electoral defeat.

Embaló is now in exile in Morocco and previously told AFP he intended to run for president again.

The junta is expected to organise fresh presidential and legislative elections on December 6 as part of a promised return to civilian rule. However, the National Electoral Commission said last week that the conditions were not in place to hold the elections.