Fernando Dias da Costa, who claims victory in Guinea-Bissau’s disputed November 23 presidential election, has accused the ruling military junta of orchestrating a pathway for the return of ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. Dias says the transition announced by the soldiers is a cover for restoring Embalo to power.
Dias, currently sheltering at the Nigerian Embassy in Bissau, alleged that Embalo engineered the November 26 coup just one day before election results were due to be declared. He insists the move was designed to block an imminent electoral defeat.
In a statement released at the weekend, Dias accused junta leader Gen. Horta Inta-A of acting on Embalo’s instructions. He said the military leadership is deliberately manipulating constitutional and electoral frameworks to legitimise what he described as a staged return to dictatorship.
Embalo has since fled the country, while Gen. Inta-A declared himself Transitional President, unveiled a 28-member cabinet, and announced a 12-month transition programme. The Economic Community of West African States rejected the timeline, suspended Guinea-Bissau, and demanded a shorter, inclusive transition led by civilians.
Dias said the junta is dominated by Embalo loyalists, including former prime minister Ilídio Vieira Té, who also served as Embalo’s campaign director. He alleged that electoral officials were detained, equipment destroyed, and opposition figures targeted to suppress the release of election results.
He further claimed that the continued display of Embalo’s official portrait in government offices proves the coup was fraudulent. Dias also demanded explanations over the seizure of €5 million in Portugal from a private jet linked to Embalo’s associates, raising fresh concerns over corruption and organised crime.
The opposition figure accused Embalo’s administration of turning Guinea-Bissau into a hub for drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering, allegations that have long fuelled the country’s reputation as a narco-state.
Dias praised the European Parliament for condemning what it described as a self-coup and called on the international community to act swiftly. Analysts warn that ECOWAS’ cautious response risks weakening its credibility, especially as five member states are now under military rule amid growing regional instability.
