Military authorities in Guinea-Bissau announced on Wednesday that they have taken full control of the country, ordering an immediate suspension of all electoral activities and the closure of national borders.
The move comes just three days after the nation held legislative and presidential elections.
The declaration followed reports of intense gunfire near the presidential palace in Bissau earlier in the day. Witnesses said armed soldiers blocked the main access road to the palace, escalating fears in the politically fragile West African nation.
Senior military officers delivered the announcement from army headquarters in the capital, confirming the takeover and outlining initial measures under their authority.
