A cabinet meeting chaired by Guinea-Bissau’s president Umaro Sissaco Embalo has been abruptly interrupted by bursts of heavy gunfire around the presidential palace in the capital Bissau on Tuesday.
Witnesses speak of an eventful afternoon in Bissau when in the middle of the meeting automatic gunfire rang out around the presidential palace.
Eyewitness also described a busy movement of armed soldiers on the streets of Bissau, where official buildings were cordoned off by troops.
The intention of the shooters remain unknown.
Since the news spread, the city centre has been plunged into disarray with schools closed and children scurrying home.
The Economic Community of West African States said it was following with “grave concern” the situation in Guinea-Bissau.
“ECOWAS condemns this coup attempt and holds the military responsible for the physical integrity of President Umaro Sissaco Embaló and members of his government,” the statement said.
The West African regional grouping called on mutinous soldiers to return to their barracks and remain committed to republican ideals.
Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony that became independent in 1973, has witnessed several coups, the last being on 12 April 2012, between the two rounds of a disputed presidential election.
The military seized the national radio station and the headquarters of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), before strafing the residence of the incumbent Prime Minister, Carlos Gomes Júnior, with a rocket.
The then acting president, Raimundo Pereira, was arrested at his residence, along with the head of government.
ARD/te/lb/as/APA