ase. The Senegalese government affirmed its commitment to work with ECOWAS, the African Union, and other partners to support dialogue, stability, and the rapid restoration of constitutional order and democratic legitimacy in Guinea-Bissau. The coup, announced on Wednesday by a group of military officers, came just before the release of the country’s presidential election results. Embalo had been seeking re-election against challenger Fernando Dias, with both claiming victory ahead of the provisional results. Critics have raised concerns over the legitimacy of the election after the main opposition PAIGC party was barred from presenting a candidate. Following the takeover, Guinea-Bissau’s borders were closed and an overnight curfew imposed. On Thursday, General Horta Inta-A was sworn in as transitional president, defending the military’s actions, claiming there was “sufficient evidence to justify the operation.” The coup has sparked widespread regional concern. The African Union Commission chairperson condemned the takeover and called for the immediate and unconditional release of Embalo and other detained officials. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation. This marks the latest in a series of coups in Guinea-Bissau since its independence from Portugal in 1974, highlighting ongoing political instability in the West African nation.