Senegal's prime minister and Nigeria's former president have both asserted that the military's ousting of Guinea-Bissau's president was not a genuine coup.
Former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló's removal came just before the announcement of election results, prompting speculation regarding the military's motives.
After suspending the electoral process, the military claimed they were acting to thwart a plot aimed at destabilizing the nation.
Senegal's PM Ousmane Sonko and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan stressed the urgency of releasing the election results, questioning the legitimacy behind the military's takeover.
Jonathan labeled the incident a 'ceremonial coup', pointing out irregularities in how the ousting was reported, noting Embaló himself announced his removal.
While the official narrative is that the military acted to preserve stability, the lack of evidence supporting claims of a plot raises critical doubts about the coup's authenticity.
On the ground, residents are divided in their reactions, with some expressing hope for better governance amidst escalating political turmoil.
As the situation evolves, the ramifications of this military takeover will unfold in a country that has a history of political instability.
