Guinea-Bissau’s former president visits Brazzaville, Congo

Umaro Sissoco Embalo arrives in the Republic of Congo after first seeking refuge in Senegal following this week’s coup.

Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the former president of Guinea-Bissau, has fled to the Republic of Congo after being deposed in a military coup that took place just before provisional presidential election results were to be announced. Initially seeking refuge in Senegal, he was confirmed to be in Brazzaville, the Congolese capital, by his chief of staff. The coup has drawn international condemnation, with calls for restoration of constitutional order, as speculation about the coup’s motives continues, including claims of Embalo’s involvement. Meanwhile, the new military leadership, closely allied with Embalo, has appointed a government amid rising tensions and allegations of attacks on opposition parties in Guinea-Bissau.