By 
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau – A group of military officers in Guinea-Bissau has declared “total control” of the country, escalating tensions just days after the nation held a tightly contested presidential election.
In a statement released Wednesday, the officers announced the immediate suspension of the electoral process, the closure of all land, air, and sea borders, and the imposition of an overnight curfew.
The announcement came following reports of sustained gunfire near the election commission headquarters, the presidential palace, and the interior ministry in the capital, Bissau.
The military’s move occurs one day before official results from Sunday’s presidential vote were due to be announced, amid competing claims of victory by the two leading candidates.
Guinea-Bissau has experienced repeated political instability since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, with a history of coups and disputed elections. The latest developments have raised concerns among regional and international observers about the future of democracy in the West African nation.
Credit: Aljezeera
