BISSAU, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Guinea-Bissau's armed forces announced on Wednesday via the national television that they had assumed full powers of the country and imposed several emergency measures.
The military, named "the High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order," said the move was intended to respond to the actions of certain politicians attempting to destabilize the country.
Army spokesperson Dinis N'Tchama said on television that the military has taken control of Guinea-Bissau, with the ongoing electoral process immediately suspended.
Other measures also included the closure of public institutions, suspension of media activities, as well as the closure of all land, sea, and air borders. The military ordered a mandatory curfew from 7:00 p.m. local time to 6:00 a.m. local time.
According to local media, at around 1:00 p.m. local time, heavy gunfire was heard near the presidential palace in downtown Bissau, the capital. Residents nearby fled, and military personnel subsequently took control of the main road leading to the palace. ■