Several months after military men deposed democratically elected governments in Niger Republic, Mali, among other African countries, a group of officers in Guinea-Bissau say they have taken charge of the country following reports that President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been arrested.

The development comes shortly after gunfire was heard in central Bissau, with government sources confirming that Embaló had been detained.

Tensions have been high since the presidential election three days ago, in which the leading opposition contender was disqualified. Official results were due on Thursday, but both Embaló and his closest challenger, Fernando Dias, have already claimed victory.

Residents in the capital reported hearing shots at around 13:00 GMT on Wednesday, though the circumstances of the incident and whether there were casualties remain unclear.

According to AFP, hundreds of people fled on foot or in vehicles as the shooting began, seeking safety amid the turmoil.

Guinea-Bissau, home to fewer than two million people, is one of the world’s poorest nations.

Since 1980, the former Portuguese colony has experienced nine coups or attempts. Embaló himself has survived two previous attempts to unseat him, most recently in December 2023