Guinea-Bissau entered a tense new chapter on Friday with the sudden appointment of Ilidio Vieira Té as Prime Minister, deepening an already volatile political landscape following a disputed presidential election and a rapid coup. Vieira Té, who has served as Minister of Finance, is expected to retain that portfolio for the next 12 months while assuming his new role.
The announcement came as the capital adjusted to the first day without restrictions. Streets remained relatively calm, with public and private transport including taxis and motorcycle taxis moving normally across the city. Markets reopened with reduced activity, as traders worked despite notably fewer customers.
Public institutions stayed closed except for hospitals, health centers and schools, where administrators cited ongoing security concerns. Government offices resumed operations, and private companies opened with limited staff. Fuel stations across Bissau functioned without disruption.
The political scene, however, remained far from settled. Guinea-Bissau one of the world’s poorest nations has once again found itself in turmoil. Opposition figures have challenged the legitimacy of the takeover that followed the contested election, drawing attention to the actions and influence of ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
The unfolding crisis marks yet another chapter in the country’s long history of coups, instability and fragile democratic governance.
