Military Seizes Power in Guinea-Bissau, Suspends Electoral Proceedings
Officers identifying themselves as the "High Military Command for the Restoration of Order" delivered a proclamation at armed forces headquarters detailing their intervention.
They declared an immediate halt to all election activities, voided presidential and parliamentary ballot outcomes, and shut down broadcast programming while calling on citizens to "remain calm."
The armed forces takeover came amid reports of gunfire erupting near Guinea-Bissau's presidential complex Wednesday.
Independent contender Fernando Dias and the team of sitting President Umaro Sissoco Embalo both declared electoral triumph Monday following weekend voting as the nation awaited official tallies.
The broadcaster reported that Dias and ex-Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira, who supported his candidacy, were detained and transported to the Air Force Base.
Pereira represents the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), the political movement that spearheaded the liberation struggle from Portugal in 1974. Officials barred him from this year's contest, alleging he submitted candidacy documents past deadline.
Embalo told a French publication that he was apprehended around noon Wednesday inside his presidential palace office, alongside Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Gen. Biague Na Ntan, his deputy Gen. Mamadou Toure, and Interior Minister Botche Cande, who were seized simultaneously.
He stated no physical force was employed against him during what he characterized as a "coup" orchestrated by the commander of ground forces.
Gunshots were also detected around midday in the vicinity of the national electoral commission headquarters, the French outlet reported, referencing multiple sources.
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