In a dramatic turn of events, soldiers in Guinea-Bissau have announced the seizure of power, as reported on state television. This development follows reports of gunfire near the presidential palace on Wednesday, just three days after national elections were held. Dinis N’Tchama, spokesperson for the country’s military high command, declared in a statement that the High Military Command has decided to depose the President of the Republic and suspend all institutions of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. The military cited the discovery of an ongoing plan aimed at destabilizing the country, alleging that both domestic and foreign nationals attempted to manipulate electoral results to implement this plan. As part of their measures, the soldiers have immediately suspended the current electoral process, halted media activities, and closed all borders. The presidential and legislative elections, held on Sunday, saw incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa each claiming victory on Tuesday, despite official provisional results not being expected until Thursday. Guinea-Bissau, a West African nation with a history of political instability, has experienced four coups and numerous attempted ones since gaining independence, including a reported attempt last month. The situation remains tense as gunfire was heard near the presidential palace in the capital, and roads leading to the palace were closed off, with checkpoints manned by heavily armed and masked soldiers.
Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau appear on state television saying they have seized power in the country
