Military authorities in Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday announced that they have assumed full control of the country, suspending all electoral activities and ordering the immediate closure of national borders.
The move comes just three days after the nation held its legislative and presidential elections.
The declaration followed hours of tension in the capital, Bissau, amid reports of sustained gunfire near the presidential palace. Witnesses said soldiers in uniform took over the main access road leading to the palace, further heightening fears in the politically fragile West African nation.
The announcement was made from the army headquarters, where senior military officers read out a statement confirming the takeover and outlining the measures now being enforced under military authority.