The army in Guinea-Bissau announced Wednesday, November 26, to take “full control of the country”, “delaying the election process” and closed borders, while the country awaits the results of presidential and legislative elections held on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, gunfire rang out near the presidential palace and men in military uniforms took over the main road leading to the palace, in a West African country accustomed to political unrest, which has experienced four coups and a series of coup attempts since its independence.
The soldiers spoke while reading a press release at army headquarters in the capital Bissau, journalists from Agence France-Presse noted on the scene.
A series of coup attempts
The outgoing president, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, and the opposition candidate, Fernando Dias da Costa, each claimed victory on Tuesday, while official interim results are not expected until Thursday.
The outgoing president was the favorite to win the presidential election, which was held peacefully, but without the main opposition party, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC), and its candidate, Domingos Simoes Pereira. PAIGC and Mr Pereira support Fernando Dias da Costa.
Official interim results must be ratified by the Supreme Court. The announcement of election results often gives rise to protest movements in the country. The previous presidential election, in 2019, resulted in a post-election crisis lasting several months, with Mr. Embalo and his opponent, Mr. Pereira, both claiming victory.
