Guinea-Bissau Military Officers Declare ‘Takeover’ , Shut Borders

Military officers in Guinea-Bissau declared they have taken “total control” of the country, suspending the electoral process and closing all borders just three days after the nation’s presidential and legislative elections. Earlier gunfire was heard near the presidential palace as uniformed men seized control of key roads in the capital, Bissau.

The military announced the establishment of a “high military command for the restoration of order” which is to govern the country indefinitely.

This development occurred amid competing claims of victory in the elections by the incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and his main rival Fernando Dias.

The military’s move also included the imposition of a nighttime curfew, and it halted the election counting and announcement of results that were due shortly.

The country is experiencing political turmoil with tensions rising as the military steps in forcefully, citing the need to restore order in the chaotic post-election environment.