Guinea-Bissau soldiers say they have taken power after arrest of President Umaro Sissoko Embalo

A group of military officers say they have taken control of Guinea-Bissau following reports that Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoko Embalo has been arrested.

Shortly after gunfire was heard in the capital Bissau, government sources told the BBC that Embalo had been detained.

The reports come three days after a presidential election in which the main opposition candidate was disqualified.

The results are expected to be announced on Thursday – with both Embalo and his closest rival Fernando Díaz declared winners.

Witnesses in Bissau heard gunshots at around 13:00 GMT on Wednesday, but it was unclear who was involved or whether there were any casualties.

When gunfire rang out, hundreds of people fled on foot and in vehicles and sought shelter, AFP reported.

Later, speaking on state television, military officers said they had established a “high military command for the restoration of order” that would govern the West African country until further notice.

Soldiers instructed people to “remain calm.”

With a population of less than 2 million, Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest countries in the world. Since 1980, the former Portuguese colony has seen nine coups or attempted coups.

There have been two attempts to overthrow Embalo, most recently in December 2023.