Tension As Military Takes Over of Government, Suspends Democratic Process in African Country 

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

Tension and apprehension have taken over public affairs in another major African country as the military authorities in Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday declared that they had assumed full control of the country, announcing the suspension of all electoral activities and an immediate closure of national borders.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the development comes just three days after the nation conducted its legislative and presidential elections.

The declaration followed reports of heavy gunfire earlier in the day around the presidential palace in Bissau.

Witnesses said soldiers in uniform moved to secure the main access road leading to the palace, heightening tensions in the politically fragile West African state.

The announcement was delivered from the army headquarters in the capital, where senior military officers read out a statement confirming the takeover and outlining the steps being implemented as part of their control.

Meanwhile, Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embaló told a sister publication of Africa Report, Jeune Afrique, that he was arrested this Wednesday, 26 November, at around 1pm while he was in his office at the presidential palace.

Also arrested are the chief of staff, General Biague Na Ntan, deputy chief of staff General Mamadou Traore, and the interior minister, Botche Cande.

According to the president, no force was used against him during what he says was a ‘coup d’etat,’ which he says was led by the army chief of staff.

Reporters on the ground say they heard gunfire at the National Electoral Commission headquarters and in the surrounding areas.

OTN News recalls that the presidential election in the country took place last Sunday, and the outgoing president said he had won with 65% of the vote, going by his own count.

OTN News remains committed to monitoring state of affairs in the country, and publication of further developments.