In brief
In a shocking turn of events, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau has been arrested following reports of gunfire near the presidential palace in the capital, Bissau. Eyewitness accounts revealed that shots were fired around 13:00 GMT. This incident occurred just three days after a contested presidential election, where the main opposition candidate was disqualified, compounding political tensions. Amidst the upheaval, the population witnessed chaos as people fled the streets seeking safety. Guinea-Bissau, known for its political instability, has faced multiple coups since its independence. As the situation develops, the region watches closely.
Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been arrested by armed men, government sources have reported, after gunfire was heard near the presidential palace. Witnesses in the capital, Bissau, heard shots around 13:00 GMT, but it remains unclear who was involved in the violence.
The unsettling reports surfaced just three days after a contentious presidential election, where the primary opposition candidate faced disqualification. The results of the election, expected to be released shortly, have both Embaló and his closest competitor, Fernando Dias, claiming victory.
As the shots rang out, hundreds of onlookers took to their feet and vehicles, fleeing in panic for safety, according to the AFP news agency.
Guinea-Bissau, home to just under two million people, is among the world's poorest nations. The former Portuguese colony has a tumultuous history, having experienced nine coups or attempted coups since 1980.
This recent episode marks yet another attempt to challenge Embaló's leadership, following two previous failed coup attempts as recently as December 2023.
This is a breaking news story - further updates are forthcoming.
