According to sources, during the operation, the Chief of the General Staff and his deputy, as well as the Minister of Internal Affairs, were also detained.
Later, a group of military personnel appeared on television, announcing the suspension of the electoral process and taking control of the country until further notice.
The military also announced the formation of the "Supreme Military Command for the Restoration of Order" and urged citizens to remain calm while simultaneously closing the country's borders.
Photo: Getty Images
Witnesses report a shootout that occurred near the presidential palace and the Central Electoral Commission in the capital, Bissau, around 1 PM local time. Military personnel in camouflage took up strategic positions on the road to the presidential palace. There is currently no information on casualties.
The presidential and parliamentary elections in Guinea-Bissau took place on November 23. Both candidates—Umaru Sissoko Embalo and his opposition rival Fernando Dias—claimed victory. Official election results were scheduled to be published on November 27.
Previously, Sissoko Embalo, who took office as president in early 2020, had dissolved the parliament, which was dominated by the opposition, twice, and had also appointed and postponed elections.
Photo on the main page: Getty Images.
