Guinea-Bissau Military Seizes Power, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló Detained

Reports from Guinea-Bissau indicate that members of the military have seized control of the country, with President Umaro Sissoco Embaló reportedly detained.

According to the BBC, gunfire was heard in the capital, Bissau, as the takeover unfolded.

The political turmoil follows a disputed election held three days ago. Domingos Simões Pereira, a former prime minister and opposition candidate, was reportedly barred from the candidate list after alleged delays in submitting election documentation to the national electoral commission. Pereira had been challenging the incumbent, Embaló, alongside Fernando Dias da Costa.

Both Embaló and Dias are said to have claimed victory, but official results have not yet been released, adding to tensions in the country.

In the meantime, the military, now in control, has addressed citizens via a government video message, urging them to remain calm and avoid unrest.

The situation remains fluid as the international community closely monitors developments in Guinea-Bissau.