Vehicles drive on the road in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, Wednesday.
Darcicio Barbosa/AP
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Darcicio Barbosa/AP
BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau — Troopers in Guinea-Bissau appeared on state tv saying they’ve seized energy within the nation, following reviews of gunshots close to the presidential palace on Wednesday, three days after nationwide elections have been held.
“The High Military Command for the reestablishment of national and public order decides to immediately depose the President of the Republic, to suspend, until new orders, all of the institutions of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau,” mentioned Dinis N’Tchama, spokesperson for the nation’s navy excessive command, in an announcement.
He mentioned it was in response to “the discovery of an ongoing plan” aiming to destabilize the nation, including that “domestic and foreign nationals” tried to “manipulate electoral results to implement this plan.”
The troopers mentioned they’re instantly suspending the present electoral course of and the actions of media retailers, in addition to closing all borders.
The presidential and legislative elections have been held Sunday. Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa every claimed victory Tuesday, despite the fact that official provisional outcomes aren’t anticipated till Thursday.
The West African nation prior to now has seen 4 coups and quite a few tried ones since independence, together with one reported final month.
Gunfire was heard Wednesday round midday close to the presidential palace in Guinea-Bissau ‘s capital.
An Related Press journalist noticed roads resulting in the palace closed off, with checkpoints manned by closely armed and masked troopers.
