Guinea-Bissau marks another coup in Africa. Here’s a timeline of military takeovers since 2020. – The Virginian

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By OPE ADETAYO

LAGOS, Nigeria — Guinea-Bissau has joined a growing list of African countries where military officers have seized power since 2020.

A few hours after gunshots were heard near the presidential office on Wednesday, a group of military officers appeared on state television saying they had seized power. The deposed president, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, has been embroiled in fierce political battle with the opposition. Both sides claimed victory in a presidential election. Embaló was arrested and detained after the coup was announced.

The small West African nation of 2.2 million on the Atlantic coast follows a pattern seen across the continent, with disputed elections, constitutional upheaval, youth discontent and military takeovers.