Guinea-Bissau experienced a military coup on November 24, 2025, as soldiers seized control following a disputed election. In the wake of the coup, deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo was arrested, leading to regional leaders' intervention to secure his release and subsequent flight to Senegal on a chartered military aircraft. The military shut down the electoral process and claimed to thwart an alleged plot to manipulate the results, accusing politicians of collaborating with drug lords. Despite the military's justifications, prominent political figures from Senegal and Nigeria labeled the coup as a 'sham,' stirring doubts about its legitimacy. As tensions rose, the African Union condemned the coup and demanded respect for constitutional order, leading to Guinea-Bissau's suspension by ECOWAS until democracy is restored. The political instability reflects the nation's history of coups since its independence from Portugal in 1974, as half the population faces chaos and uncertainty regarding their governance and future. Concerns over drug trafficking and destabilization linger, showcasing the struggles of a country often caught in the turmoil of both military and political manipulation.