Khaberni - A military force in Guinea-Bissau, on Wednesday afternoon, arrested outgoing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló from his office inside the presidential palace, ending the rule of the man who had declared just hours earlier his victory for a new term.
The magazine "Jeune Afrique" reported that the military carried out a coup in the African country which experienced controversial presidential elections on Sunday.
The French News Agency stated that military personnel announced the suspension of the electoral process in Guinea-Bissau after declaring full control over the country.
Local residents and journalists from the French News Agency and Reuters reported gunfire on Wednesday near the presidential palace and in front of the headquarters of the National Election Commission in the capital of Guinea-Bissau.
According to the same sources, some passersby in front of the presidential palace and the election commission headquarters were seen fleeing in search of shelter, while shooting continued around 13:00 GMT.
The West African nation conducted presidential elections last Sunday and the preliminary results are expected to be announced on Thursday.
The current president Umaro Sissoco Embaló competes in the elections against his prominent rival Fernando Dias. It is not yet clear who was behind the shooting. Guinea-Bissau has a history of coups.
