Government sources in Guinea-Bissau have revealed that the nation’s President, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, has been arrested by armed men.
Embalo’s kidnapping began as gunfire was heard near the presidential palace. According to witnesses in the capital, Bissau, at around 13:00 GMT, gunshots were heard, but it was not immediately clear who was involved in the shooting.
These reports come three days after an opposition candidate was disqualified during the presidential elections.
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The results were expected on Thursday, but both Embaló and his closest rival, Fernando Dias, have claimed victory.
Hundreds of citizens fled on foot and in vehicles, seeking shelter as the shots rang out, according to the AFP news agency.
Guinea-Bissau, with a population of just under two million people, is one of the poorest countries in the world.
Also, Embalo’s nation has seen nine coups or attempted coups since 1980, leaving multiple citizens to flee, or risk facing the consequences that come with government overthrows by the military.
There have been two attempts to overthrow Guinea-Bissau President Embalo, and his arrest comes as a worry to citizens after the most recent coup occurred in December 2023.
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On Wednesday, a group of military officers revealed that they have seized control of Guinea-Bissau, following reports that president Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been arrested.
This comes after gunshots were heard in the capital, Bissau, after sources stated that Embaló had been detained.
Speaking on national TV, the officers said they had suspended the electoral process, as the West African nation awaited the outcome of Sunday’s presidential election.
Also, they added that they were acting to thwart a plot by unnamed politicians who had “the support of a well-known drug baron” to destabilize the country, and announced the closure of its borders and imposed a night-time curfew.
READ ALSO: Soldiers claim control in Guinea-Bissau, announce takeover on state TV
We will keep you updated on the further developments related to this breaking story.
