Bissau: A group of military officers in Guinea-Bissau announced on Wednesday that they have assumed full control of the country until further notice, confirming the arrest of outgoing President Umaro Sissoco Embal³ inside the presidential palace in the capital, Bissau.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, in a statement read at the Army Command headquarters, the officers said they had suspended the electoral process and closed the borders, pending the results of Sunday’s presidential and legislative elections.

These developments came hours after Embal³ told Jeune Afrique magazine that he had been detained around noon while in his office at the presidential palace, noting that he had not been subjected to any violence and accusing the army chief of staff of orchestrating the coup.

Gunfire was also heard near the presidential palace and the electoral commission offices, as troops in military uniform were deployed along the main road leading to the palace. According to sources, the arrests also included Army Chief of Staff General Biaguª Na Ntan, Deputy Chief of Staff General Mamadu Tur©, and Interior Minister Botche Cand©.

The country has a long history of political instability, having witnessed four coups and several attempted coups since independence.

Preliminary official results of the elections are expected to be announced on Thursday amid escalating tension, especially after both Embal³ and opposition candidate Fernando Dias separately declared victory, raising the likelihood of a renewed political crisis in the country.