The military who tried to seize power in Bissau have failed to depose President Umaru Sissaco Embalò who is still in charge of the country, APA can report on Wednesday.
The attempted coup by a section of the army in the afternoon of Tuesday 1 February has been foiled, according to a source close to the Guinea-Bissau president.
He sent to APA a photo showing President Embalò in his office surrounded by his allies.
Early on Tuesday afternoon, while President Embalò was presiding over an extraordinary cabinet meeting, automatic gunfire was heard around the government palace.
In the capital witnesses reported the heavy movements of soldiers around several sensitive sites.
This caused confusion among the population who scurried away from the city centre.
As a precautionary measure, schools released their pupils while waiting to see how the situation was unfolding.
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 1974, 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 then incumbent Prime Minister, Carlos Gomes Júnior, with a rocket.
Then acting president, Raimundo Pereira, was arrested at his residence, along with the head of government.
LOS/lb/as/APA