In brief
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau has been arrested by armed men following gunfire detected near the presidential palace in Bissau. Reports indicate that the shooting occurred after a controversial election, with citizens fleeing in fear as tensions escalated. This event marks another chapter in Guinea-Bissau's turbulent political history, characterized by frequent coups since its independence.
Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been arrested by armed men, according to government sources. This dramatic turn of events follows the sound of gunfire near the presidential palace, raising alarms among citizens.
Witnesses in the capital, Bissau, reported hearing shots around 13:00 GMT. As the chaos unfolded, hundreds of people fled on foot and in vehicles, seeking shelter from the unexpected violence.
This incident comes merely days after a presidential election in which the main opposition candidate was disqualified. Reports state that both Embaló and his closest rival, Fernando Dias, claimed victory, leaving the political atmosphere highly charged.
Guinea-Bissau, a nation of just under two million people, is among the poorest countries globally and has experienced nine coups or attempted coups since 1980. President Embaló himself has faced two previous attempts on his life, the latest of which occurred in December 2023.
This is a breaking news story - more updates are expected as the situation develops.
