In brief
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau has been arrested amid a chaotic scene involving gunfire near the presidential palace. The unrest comes shortly after a disputed election, and eyewitnesses reported mass flight as locals sought safety. This is not the first time Embaló has faced attempts to oust him during his tenure.
Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been arrested by armed men, government sources have confirmed. The arrest came after gunfire erupted near the presidential palace in the capital, Bissau, around 13:00 GMT.
According to eyewitnesses, the sound of gunshots sent hundreds of people fleeing for safety, admitting that the situation was tense.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a presidential election where the main opposition candidate was disqualified, creating a volatile political atmosphere. Both Embaló and his closest rival, Fernando Dias, have claimed victory in the disputed election.
Guinea-Bissau, home to nearly two million people, has a troubled history, having experienced nine coups or attempted coups since 1980, and Embaló's presidency has already faced two coup attempts, the most recent in December 2023.
This is a breaking news story - further updates will follow.
