. Embalo confirms arrest by military officers
. Armed Forces’ chief of staff, deputy, interior minister also arrested
Military officers in Guinea-Bissau, on Wednesday, took “total control” of the country, suspended its electoral process and closed its borders.
This is coming three days after the West African nation conducted its legislative and presidential elections.
Earlier on Wednesday, sporadic gunshots were heard near the coup-prone country’s presidential palace as armed soldiers took over the main road leading to the building.
According to AFP, military personnel made the announcement by reading a statement at army headquarters in the capital, Bissau.
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló confirmed that he had been arrested by senior military figures.
Embaló told Jeune Afrique that he was detained at about 1 p.m. while inside his office at the presidential palace.
He had declared victory in Sunday’s presidential election, claiming 65% of the votes based on figures compiled by his team.
Also arrested were the armed forces’ chief of staff, General Biaguê Na Ntan; the deputy chief of staff, General Mamadou Touré; and the interior minister, Botché Candé.
Embaló said no force was used against him, alleging that the operation was led by the army chief of staff and constituted a coup attempt.
