A group of army officers in Guinea Bissau said on Wednesday that they had taken “total control” of the country, declaring the suspension of the electoral process only days after citizens voted to choose a new president.
Radio France Internationale reported that the officers announced the formation of a body they called the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order, saying it would run the country “until further notice”.
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In a statement, the officers said they had shut all land, air and sea borders and imposed an overnight curfew. They also ordered an immediate halt to the tallying and announcement of results from Sunday’s presidential election, which were expected to be released on Thursday.
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Their declaration came after sustained gunfire was heard at several key locations in the capital, Bissau, including the election commission headquarters, the presidential palace and the interior ministry. Details about casualties or the whereabouts of senior officials were not immediately clear.
Guinea Bissau, which has experienced repeated coups and attempted power grabs since independence, is once again facing uncertainty as the military challenges the electoral process before final results are made public.
Authorities have not yet commented on the military’s announcement
