Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been arrested by armed men, according to government sources, following reports of gunfire near the presidential palace. Witnesses in the capital, Bissau, described hearing shots fired at approximately 13:00 GMT, although the identities of those involved remain unclear.
This distressing report comes just three days after a highly charged presidential election, in which the main opposition candidate was disqualified. The results of the election were anticipated on Thursday, with both Embaló and his closest rival, Fernando Dias, claiming victory.
As the shots rang out, many residents fled on foot and in vehicles, seeking shelter from the escalating violence, as reported by the AFP news agency. Guinea-Bissau, a nation of about two million people, is one of the poorest in the world and has a long history of political turmoil, experiencing nine coups or attempted coups since 1980. Embaló himself has faced two assassination attempts, the most recent occurring in December 2023.
This is a breaking news story, with updates to follow.
