Suspected coup mastermind arrested in Senegal

Authorities stated on 4 December 2008 that the suspected mastermind of the 23 November attempted coup and attack on the residence of President Joao Bernardo Vieira has been arrested in neighboring Senegal. Officials indicated that Navy Sergeant N’tcham Yala, who is also a close relative of opposition leader and former President Koumba Yala, was detained on 1 December and will be extradited to Guinea Bissau within a few days. Koumba Yala rejected the results of recent parliamentary elections and has openly alleged ties between Vieira and drug traffickers. Vieira’s government is reportedly looking into possible ties between Koumba Yala and the recent coup attempt. N’tcham Yala is also believed to be a strong supporter of Rear Admiral Jose Americo Na Tchuto, who was also involved in another failed coup attempt in August 2008.