In brief
Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been reportedly arrested by armed men, with gunfire heard near the presidential palace in the capital, Bissau. Witnesses reported gunshots and chaos following a recent presidential election marked by controversy, as the main opposition candidate was disqualified. The situation is escalating with people seeking safety in the streets amidst the turmoil.
Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been arrested by armed men, government sources have told the BBC, after gunfire was heard near the presidential palace.
Witnesses in the capital, Bissau, heard gunshots at around 13:00 GMT but it was not immediately clear who was involved in the shooting.
The reports come three days after a presidential election in which the main opposition candidate was disqualified.
The results were expected on Thursday - both Embaló and his closest rival Fernando Dias have claimed victory.
Hundreds of people on foot and in vehicles fled, seeking shelter as the shots rang out, according to reports from AFP.
Guinea-Bissau, with a population of just under two million people, is one of the poorest countries in the world. The former Portuguese colony has seen nine coups or attempted coups since 1980.
There have been two attempts to overthrow Embalo, the latest in December 2023.
This is a breaking news story - more to follow.
