A group of military officers in Guinea-Bissau say they have seized power following reports that President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been arrested.
Gunfire was heard in the capital, Bissau, early Wednesday afternoon. Government sources told the BBC that the president had been detained shortly afterward, though there has been no official confirmation.
The unrest comes just three days after a presidential election marred by controversy, with the main opposition candidate disqualified. Both Embaló and his rival, Fernando Dias, had claimed victory ahead of the expected announcement of results on Thursday.
Witnesses reported hearing shots around 13:00 GMT, prompting crowds to flee on foot and in vehicles as uncertainty spread across the city, according to AFP.
Hours later, military officers appeared on state television declaring the formation of the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order,” announcing they would assume control of the country until further notice. They urged citizens to remain calm.
Guinea-Bissau, home to fewer than two million people, has a long history of political instability, with nine coups or attempted coups since 1980. President Embaló has survived two previous overthrow attempts, the most recent in December 2023.
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