Guinea-Bissau has plunged into political turmoil as a group of military officers announced they have taken control of the country, with reports that President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been arrested.
Gunfire erupted in the capital, Bissau, earlier on Wednesday, prompting residents to flee their homes. Later, military officials appeared on state television, declaring the suspension of the electoral process and the formation of the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order.” General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential palace’s military household, urged citizens to remain calm and confirmed that borders had been closed.
The takeover comes ahead of the results of Sunday’s presidential election, in which the main opposition candidate was disqualified. Both Embaló and his closest rival, Fernando Dias, have claimed victory in the vote.
Eyewitnesses report that several ministers and the president’s army staff have also been detained. Embaló himself confirmed to France 24 that he has been deposed.
Guinea-Bissau, a nation of under two million people, has a long history of coups, with nine successful or attempted takeovers since independence from Portugal in 1974. The country has also been identified by the UN as a key transit point in global cocaine trafficking, earning it the label of a “narco-state.”
The international community is closely monitoring developments as the West African nation faces a fresh period of uncertainty.