By Barth Ikiebe with Agency Reports
Military officers in Guinea-Bissau say they have taken “total control” of the country, suspending the electoral process and closing all borders just three days after the nation’s presidential and legislative elections.
Earlier gunfire was heard near the presidential palace as uniformed men seized control of key roads in the capital, Bissau.
The military announced the establishment of a “high military command for the restoration of order” which is to govern the country indefinitely.
This development occurred amid competing claims of victory in the elections by the incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and his main rival Fernando Dias.
The military’s move also included the imposition of a nighttime curfew.
The country is experiencing political turmoil with tensions rising as the military steps in forcefully, citing the need to restore order in the chaotic post-election environment.
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, had earlier been arrested and detained in the capital, Bissau.
Military officers appeared on state TV, saying they had suspended the electoral process and would be in charge until further notice.
The West African nation had been awaiting the outcome of Sunday’s presidential election, in which the main opposition candidate had been disqualified from running.
The results were expected on Thursday – both Embaló and his closest rival Fernando Dias have claimed victory.
Late on Wednesday afternoon, Embaló told France 24 in a phone call: “I have been deposed.”
Witnesses in Bissau heard gunfire earlier on, 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.
Later on, General Denis N’Canha, head of the military household at the presidential palace, read out a statement declaring a takeover.
He said officers had formed “the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order” and closed the border.
Gen N’Canha instructed the population to “remain calm”.
In addition to Embaló, the president’s army staff and a number of Ministers have reportedly been arrested.
Guinea-Bissau, one of the poorest countries in Africa, has seen nine coups or attempted coups since it gained independence from Portugal in 1974.
Guinea-Bissau has a population of just under two million people and has been called a “narco-state” by the UN, due to its role as a key transit point in trafficking cocaine from Latin America to Europe.
