- Zaina Akingbade // Premier World News
Group of senior military officers in Guinea-Bissau has announced that it has taken control of the country following reports that President Umaro Sissoco Embaló was arrested amid heavy gunfire in the capital, Bissau.
Government sources confirmed to the news agencies that President Embaló had been detained on Wednesday shortly after residents heard sustained gunshots around 13:00 GMT, prompting hundreds of civilians to flee on foot and in vehicles, while the extent of casualties remains unclear.
Hours later, military officers appeared on state television declaring the suspension of the electoral process and the establishment of what they called “the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order”.
Reading the statement, General Denis N’Canha, head of the military household at the presidential palace, said the borders had been closed and urged citizens to “remain calm”.
Local reports indicate that, in addition to the president, several ministers and members of the presidential military staff have also been arrested.
The takeover comes as the West African nation awaited the final results of Sunday’s presidential election.
The poll was already mired in controversy after the leading opposition candidate was disqualified.
Both Embaló and his main rival, Fernando Dias, had claimed victory ahead of the official announcement expected on Thursday.
Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony with a population of under two million, has a long and troubled history of political instability, recording at least nine coups or attempted coups since 1980.
President Embaló has previously claimed to have survived multiple coup attempts, though critics have accused him of exploiting alleged threats to suppress opposition.
The situation in Bissau remains tense as the military consolidates control and regional observers monitor the unfolding crisis.
