What is Happening in Guinea-Bissau? Military Coup and Arrest of the President

A group of senior military officers in Guinea-Bissau announced today, Wednesday, that they have seized and taken full control of the country "until further notice," following disputed presidential elections.

The officers stated that they have ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and suspended the contested electoral process in the country, citing the need to "correct the situation" before returning to constitutional order.

The officers also announced the suspension of the electoral process and the closure of borders, three days after the legislative and presidential elections, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

This announcement came during a statement read by the officers at the army's command headquarters in the capital, Bissau, as reported by journalists from the Agence France-Presse on site.

Earlier today, gunfire was heard near the presidential palace after armed men in military uniforms took control of the main road leading to the palace.

Government sources informed the BBC that armed individuals captured Guinea-Bissau's President, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, after gunfire was heard near the presidential palace.

Witnesses in the capital Bissau reported hearing gunfire around 1:00 PM GMT, but it was not immediately clear who was involved in the shooting.

These reports come three days after the presidential elections, in which the main opposition candidate was excluded.

Results of the elections were expected to be announced on Thursday, but both Embaló and his closest rival, Fernando Dias, declared victory.

The Agence France-Presse reported that hundreds of people fled on foot and in vehicles seeking shelter amid the gunfire.

Guinea-Bissau, with a population of just under two million, is one of the poorest countries in the world. This former Portuguese colony has experienced nine coups or attempted coups since 1980.

There have been two attempts to oust Embaló, the latest in December 2023.