Military officers in Guinea Bissau announced on Wednesday that they had taken “total control” of the country, suspending the ongoing electoral process and closing its borders.
The declaration comes three days after the West African nation held legislative and presidential elections.
Earlier in the day, gunfire was reported near the presidential palace in Bissau as men in military uniform blocked the main road leading to the building.
Witnesses said the streets around the palace were tense, with military personnel asserting control over key areas.
Brigadier General Denis N’Canha, head of the military office of the presidency, read a statement at the army headquarters confirming the takeover.
According to AFP journalists present, the officers justified their actions as necessary to “maintain order” amid political instability, though further details on the country’s leadership and next steps remain unclear.
More updates are expected as the situation develops.
