Guinea-Bissau woke up to gunfire near the presidential palace last Wednesday as military officers announced they had taken over the country. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló was arrested, and soldiers appeared on state TV to declare the takeover. Despite these classic coup signs, many doubt the real nature of the event. Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and ex-Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan suspect Embaló may have staged the coup himself. The military condemned the term "coup," saying they acted to stop a destabilising plot backed by a drug baron. Three days before the takeover, Guinea-Bissau held presidential elections where Embaló sought a second term. His main rival, Fernando Dias da Costa, was supported by former Prime Minister Domingos Pereira, who was later disqualified. The release of election results was blocked after armed men destroyed electoral commission documents and servers. Embaló was arrested but left Guinea-Bissau swiftly, flying to Senegal with his family, a move some call suspicious. Ex-President Jonathan called it "a ceremonial coup," as Embaló spoke to foreign media even under arrest. General Horta N'Tam, seen as Embaló’s ally, was named head of the new military government. Embaló denies accusations that he fabricated coup attempts to suppress opposition. Some analysts think the military stepped in to prevent a political deadlock, as both Embaló and Dias claimed election victory. Meanwhile, Dias has gone into exile in Nigeria. Protesters demand Pereira’s release and want the election results published. Three groups called a strike to restore electoral truth. Citizens reacted with mixed feelings—some hopeful, others tense. General N'Tam promises a one-year transition with a new cabinet. Embaló has left Senegal for Congo-Brazzaville after disputes with Senegalese leaders. The political future of Guinea-Bissau remains uncertain.