In a dramatic turn of events, Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has reportedly been arrested by armed men, according to government sources cited by the BBC. The incident unfolded after gunfire erupted near the presidential palace in the capital, Bissau, around 13:00 GMT. Witnesses reported hearing sustained gunshots, though the identities of those involved remain unclear. This alarming development follows a contentious presidential election held three days prior, during which the main opposition candidate was disqualified. Both Embaló and his closest rival, Fernando Dias, have claimed victory, with official results expected on Thursday. As the situation escalated, hundreds of residents fled on foot and in vehicles, seeking safety from the chaos. Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony with a population of just under two million, is one of the world’s poorest nations and has a history of political instability, with nine coups or attempted coups since 1980. Embaló himself has faced two previous attempts to overthrow him, the most recent in December 2023. This is a breaking news story, and further updates are anticipated.