Coup in Guinea-Bissau, president detained

Military officers in Guinea-Bissau announced Wednesday they were taking “total control” of the country while suspending its electoral process and closing its borders, three days after the West African nation’s legislative and presidential elections.

Earlier in the day, gunfire was heard near the coup-prone country’s presidential palace as men in military uniform took over the main road leading to the building.

Military personnel made the announcement by reading a statement at army headquarters in the capital, Bissau, according to AFP.

President Umaro Sissoco Embaló confirmed that he had been arrested by senior military figures.

Embaló told Jeune Afrique that he was detained at about 1 p.m. while inside his office at the presidential palace.

He had declared victory in Sunday’s presidential election, claiming 65% of the vote based on figures compiled by his team.

Also arrested were the armed forces’ chief of staff, General Biaguê Na Ntan; the deputy chief of staff, General Mamadou Touré; and the interior minister, Botché Candé.

Embaló said no force was used against him, alleging that the operation was led by the army chief of staff and constituted a coup attempt.

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