Military takes ‘total control’ of Guinea-Bissau and ‘suspends’ electoral process

Borders were also closed after last Sunday’s general elections, the results of which have not yet been released.

MAGATTE GAYE / AFPTV / AFP
The soldiers read a statement at the Army General Staff headquarters

The Guinea-Bissau military announced, this Wednesday (26), that it took “total control of the country”, “suspended the electoral process” and closed the borders after last Sunday’s general elections, the results of which have not yet been released.

The soldiers read a statement at the Army General Staff headquarters, located in Bissau, the capital of this poor country.

Shortly before, shots were heard near the presidential palace and men in military uniforms took control of the main road leading to the site.

Guinea-Bissau has suffered four coups since its independence in 1974, in addition to a series of coup attempts.

Around a million voters were called to the polls on Sunday, in elections held without the presence of the main opposition party and its candidate. Official provisional results are expected on Thursday.

*With information from AFP

Published by Nátaly Tenório

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