Guinea-Bissau military confirms coup, deposes President Embaló

Military commanders in Guinea-Bissau announced Wednesday they had seized "total control" of the country, confirming a coup d'état that deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló just three days after general elections.

The military junta suspended the electoral process, closed the nation's borders, and deployed troops to strategic locations in the capital, Bissau, following reports of gunfire near the presidential palace earlier in the day. The move generated panic among the population, according to local reports.

General Denis N'Canha, identified as the head of the presidential military office and spokesman for the Army, read a statement at the army headquarters, surrounded by armed soldiers. He announced that an "High Command for the Restoration of Order," composed of all branches of the armed forces, would assume national leadership "until further notice," taking on all powers of the state.

The military justified the action by stating it was necessary to "restore national security and public order." Authorities claimed they had "discovered a destabilization plan underway" that included an "attempt to manipulate the electoral results" stemming from the presidential and legislative elections held on Sunday.

President Embaló, who was considered a favorite in the recent elections, was reportedly detained by military personnel inside a building near the general barracks. The Army confirmed his deposition. Earlier Wednesday, the president had reportedly denounced that he had been detained by military personnel in his office at the Presidential Palace.

The announcement by the high command came amid heightened political tension following the Sunday vote. Earlier in the day, uniformed men were seen occupying the main road leading to the presidential palace, and gunshots were heard in the vicinity of the building.