Guinea-Bissau Military Seizes Control, Deposes President and Halts Vote

Overview

• Officers read a statement at Army Headquarters in Bissau declaring “total control,” according to AFP journalists on site.
• The military said the electoral process was suspended and the country’s borders were closed.
• Commanders announced the removal of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who told Jeune Afrique he was detained in his office and reported no violence.
• Gunfire was reported near the presidential palace and troops secured the main access road, with local reports saying radio stations in Bissau were raided.
• Provisional results from Sunday’s presidential and legislative vote had not been released, with about one million registered voters and the main opposition absent.