Guinea-Bissau’s president arrested amid ‘coup d’etat’

Guinea-Bissau’s President, Umaro Embalo, has confirmed that he was arrested on Wednesday while inside the presidential palace.

The President was reportedly arrested alongside the Chief of Staff, General Biague Na Ntan; Deputy Chief of Staff, General Mamadou Traore; and Interior Minister, Botche Cande.

Embalo said no force was used against him during what he described as a ‘coup d’etat,’ which he claimed was led by the Army Chief of Staff.

Gunfire was reportedly heard at the headquarters of the National Electoral Commission and in surrounding areas.

DAILY POST reports that the country has been awaiting the results of Sunday’s presidential election, which President Embalo said he won with 65 per cent of the votes cast.

Both Embalo’s camp and that of opposition candidate Fernando Dias de Costa have claimed victory in the first round of the November 23 presidential election.