Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau have reportedly arrested President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, in what is being described by local media as a coup attempt, just three days after the country held presidential and legislative elections. Witnesses reported gunfire near the presidential palace, the national election commission, and other key government buildings.

Other top officials, including the army chief of staff, his deputy, and the interior minister, were also reportedly detained, according to sources cited by international media. Residents near the capital described streets blocked by armed soldiers and widespread fear as the situation unfolded.

The unrest follows a heavily contested election, with both Embaló and opposition leader Fernando Dias da Costa claiming victory ahead of the release of official results. The delay in announcing provisional results had already raised tensions across the country.

A group of military officers declared that they have taken “total control” of the country until further notice, suspending the electoral process and closing national borders. Analysts warn that this development risks plunging Guinea-Bissau into political instability, given the nation’s history of military interventions following contested elections.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for calm and respect for democratic processes. At this stage, the future of governance and legitimacy in Guinea-Bissau remains uncertain.