The soldiers arbitrarily released the detained minister

In the capital of Guinea-Bissau, a detachment of National Guard soldiers released a previously detained minister and a high-ranking government official, which caused the shooting to begin.

Together with the released officials, the soldiers of the National Guard took refuge in barracks south of the capital. After attempts to negotiate with them failed, special forces intervened in the situation, which led to a shootout. Later, calm was restored. No injuries or deaths have been reported.

Finance Minister Suleiman Seidi and Treasury Secretary Antonio Monteiro were detained during an investigation into the alleged illegal withdrawal of $10 million of public funds. They were questioned on Thursday as part of an anti-corruption investigation to clarify payments to 11 companies. Sadie called these payments legitimate.

After interrogation, the officials were taken into custody. In the evening, soldiers of the National Guard invaded police stations "with AK-47 weapons and bazookas," released the detainees and took them to an unknown destination.

President Umaro Sissoko Embalo is currently out of the country attending the UN Climate Conference COP28 in Dubai.