Senior military officials in Guinea Bissau have announced that they have taken full control of the country after detaining President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. The announcement was made on national television as bursts of gunfire were heard in several parts of the capital, Bissau.
The officers introduced themselves as the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order and declared that President Embalo had been removed from power following the disputed national elections held last Sunday. Their statement claimed that the intervention was necessary to prevent what they described as attempts to manipulate the outcome of the elections.
Residents in Bissau reported hearing gunshots near key locations including the presidential palace and the national electoral office. Many people ran for safety as soldiers moved into strategic areas across the city.
The military command stated that all state institutions have been suspended until further notice. They also announced the closure of the countrys borders and urged the public to stay calm as they work to restore what they called national stability.
The takeover follows a tense election in which both President Embalo and his main challenger claimed victory even before results were officially declared. The military says the voting process will remain on hold while they assume responsibility for state affairs.
Guinea Bissau has experienced repeated political unrest since its independence. The latest development has raised fresh concerns among regional observers who fear the crisis may deepen if a clear path forward is not established soon. The whereabouts of President Embalo remain unclear at this time.
