Guinea-Bissau gets hit by coup after disputed elections

(MENAFN) Guinea-Bissau has reportedly experienced a coup d’état, as military officers announced on Wednesday that they had taken control of the West African nation and closed all borders. The development comes days after a contested presidential election in which both incumbent Umaro Sissoco Embalo and challenger Fernando Dias claimed victory.

Reports indicate that Embalo was detained in his office at the presidential palace, with sources suggesting that the action was orchestrated by the army chief of staff. Gunfire was reportedly heard around midday near the palace and the offices of the electoral commission, while soldiers in fatigues were seen positioned along the main road to the presidency.

A spokesperson for Embalo alleged that unidentified gunmen attacked the electoral commission to prevent the announcement of provisional results, claiming ties to Dias, although no evidence was provided.

The election, held on Sunday, saw Embalo’s camp claim a 65% win, while Dias asserted that a parallel tally showed him with over 50% of the vote. The vote reportedly proceeded peacefully, though the main opposition party, PAIGC, and its candidate, Domingos Simoes Pereira, were excluded from the ballot. Official results were expected on Thursday.

In a televised statement, the military said it intervened after uncovering an alleged plot by Embalo to destabilize the country, reportedly involving a well-known drug baron, and to manipulate election results. The statement confirmed that the president had been deposed, state institutions and media suspended, borders and airspace closed, and a curfew imposed, with the military claiming it will hold power until constitutional order is restored.

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