Military officers in Guinea-Bissau announced 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 secured key roads in the capital, Bissau.
The military stated that a high military command for the restoration of order has been established and will govern the country indefinitely.
This development came amid competing claims of victory in the elections by the incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and his main rival Fernando Dias.
The military’s actions also included the implementation of a nighttime curfew and the suspension of vote counting and the announcement of results that were expected soon.
The country is facing political turmoil, with rising tensions as the military intervenes, saying it seeks to restore order in a chaotic post-election environment.
