Gunfire in Guinea-Bissau's Capital Amid Alleged Release of Detained Officials

Clashes between security forces reported after National Guard members allegedly free officials under corruption investigation.

Gunfire erupted in Guinea-Bissau's capital, Bissau, late Thursday night and continued through Friday morning, reportedly due to clashes between security forces.
Members of the National Guard allegedly freed two senior government officials, Finance Minister Suleimane Seidi and Treasury Secretary António Monteiro, who were under investigation for alleged corruption.
The Public Ministry ordered the rearrest of the officials after their release, leading to the shootout.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, currently attending the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, has not publicly commented on the situation.
Guinea-Bissau has a history of political instability, with multiple coups and attempted coups since its independence from Portugal in 1974.