Military personnel in Guinea-Bissau announced a government takeover on state television following reports of gunfire near the presidential palace on Wednesday. This development occurred three days after national elections in the country.
Dinis N'Tchama, spokesperson for the country's military high command, stated that "The High Military Command for the reestablishment of national and public order" had decided to "immediately depose the President of the Republic" and "suspend, until new orders, all of the institutions of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau." The spokesperson indicated this action was in response to "the discovery of an ongoing plan" intended to destabilize the nation, alleging that "domestic and foreign nationals" attempted to "manipulate electoral results."
The soldiers further declared the immediate suspension of the electoral process and media activities, alongside the closure of all borders.
The presidential and legislative elections had taken place on Sunday. Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa both claimed victory on Tuesday, ahead of the official provisional results which were anticipated for Thursday.
Guinea-Bissau, a West African nation, has experienced four coups and multiple attempted coups since gaining independence. An attempted coup was reported as recently as last month.
On Wednesday, gunfire was reported around noon near the presidential palace in the capital of Guinea-Bissau. Roads leading to the palace were observed to be closed, with checkpoints staffed by heavily armed and masked soldiers.