By Desire Emmanuel with Agency Reports
A group of senior army officers announced on Wednesday that they have seized control of Guinea-Bissau “until further notice,” following the country’s disputed presidential election held three days ago, Radio France International reported.
The whereabouts of the country’s president, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, are unknown as some reports indicated that he has been arrested by some armed men.
Gunshots were heard in the capital three days after the disputed presidential and legislative elections that both Embaló and his main challenger, Fernando Dias, claimed victory.
The military officers said they had taken “total control” of the country on Wednesday, while all state institutions have been suspended until further notice.
Witnesses in Bissau heard gunfire at around 13:00 GMT but it was not immediately clear who was involved in the shooting or if there were any casualties.
Hundreds of people on foot and in vehicles fled, seeking shelter as the shots rang out, the AFP news agency also reported.
Guinea-Bissau, with a population of just under two million people, is one of the poorest countries in the world. The former Portuguese colony has seen nine coups or attempted coups since 1980.
There have been two attempts to overthrow Embalo, the latest in December 2023.
