Gunfire was heard in the capital, Bissau, on Wednesday afternoon, after which government sources reported that Embaló had been detained. Military officers later appeared on state television, declaring they had suspended the electoral process and would govern until further notice.

The announcement comes as the country awaited the results of Sunday’s presidential election, in which both Embaló and his main rival, Fernando Dias, claimed victory. The opposition candidate had been disqualified from running prior to the vote.

Witnesses reported that hundreds of people fled the area as shots rang out. It remains unclear who was involved in the shooting or whether there were casualties.

General Denis N’Canha, head of the military household at the presidential palace, read a statement announcing the formation of the "High Military Command for the Restoration of Order." He declared the borders closed and urged the public to remain calm.

In addition to the president, several ministers and members of his army staff are reported to have been detained.

Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony with a population of under two million, is one of the world’s poorest nations and has a history of political instability. This marks at least the tenth coup or attempted coup since 1980, including two previous attempts to overthrow Embaló—the latest occurring in December 2023.