Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau announce their government takeover on state TV

BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau — Troopers in Guinea-Bissau appeared on state tv saying they’ve seized energy within the nation, following stories of gunshots close to the presidential palace on Wednesday, three days after nationwide elections had been held.

“The Excessive Army Command for the reestablishment of nationwide and public order decides to right away depose the President of the Republic, to droop, till new orders, all the establishments of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau,” stated Dinis N’Tchama, spokesperson for the nation’s navy excessive command, in a press release.

He stated it was in response to “the invention of an ongoing plan” aiming to destabilize the nation, including that “home and overseas nationals” tried to “manipulate electoral outcomes to implement this plan.”

The troopers stated 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 had been held Sunday. Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa every claimed victory Tuesday, though official provisional outcomes will not be anticipated till Thursday.

The West African nation previously 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.