President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau said on Wednesday that he had been deposed after military officers stormed the presidential palace, claiming “total control” of the country.
Speaking to France 24, Embalo described the events as a coup led by the army chief of staff, although he said no violence was committed against him.
Earlier, gunfire was reported near the presidential palace, according to an AFP journalist.
Embalo told Jeune Afrique that men in uniform had entered his office and detained several top officials.
The military officials include the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, General Biague Na Ntan, Deputy Chief of Staff General Mamadou Toure, and Interior Minister Botche Cande.
The military announced that all state institutions were suspended “until further notice,” citing the need to clarify the situation before returning to constitutional order.
The move comes just three days after presidential and legislative elections, in which both major candidates claimed victory, adding to the political uncertainty in the country.