Political situation in Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau shaken by coup attempt after election

The military in Guinea-Bissau says it has taken “full control” of the West African country, AFP reports, citing a statement from the defense headquarters.

Earlier on Wednesday, gunfire was heard near the presidential palace and outside the headquarters of the electoral authority, Reuters writes.

The country went to the polls this weekend and the preliminary results were originally scheduled to be released on Thursday. Both incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and challenger Fernando Dias have declared themselves winners this week.

Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony, became independent in 1974 and has repeatedly suffered from civil war and coups d’état.

Witness: People flee in panic – they are running everywhere

Panic broke out when shots were fired near the presidential palace in Guinea-Bissau's capital Bissau on Wednesday, says a witness AFP spoke to.

– People are running everywhere, says the anonymous resident.

It is still unconfirmed who took part in the shooting. Several military leaders have later said that they have taken "full control" of the country. It comes a day before the preliminary election results from this weekend's presidential and parliamentary elections were to be presented.