A sudden military takeover in Guinea-Bissau has left former President Goodluck Jonathan and numerous foreign election observers stranded in the country, following the suspension of the presidential and legislative electoral process and the closure of all borders.

The armed forces announced they had taken “total control of the country, suspending its electoral process and closing its borders,” following heavy gunfire near the presidential palace.

Reports indicate that incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló was deposed, while key political figures, including opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira and senior electoral officials, were detained.

General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, read the military’s statement seated at a table and surrounded by armed soldiers. He claimed the intervention was necessary to prevent an alleged plan to destabilise the country, which he said involved “national drug lords” and the introduction of weapons intended to alter the constitutional order. The military also imposed a nationwide curfew and suspended all media programming.

The African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the takeover in a joint statement, noting that the military announcement came shortly after observer missions had met with both leading presidential candidates, who had assured them of their willingness to respect the outcome of the vote.

The statement called for the immediate release of detained electoral officials to allow the process to continue.

Jonathan, who chairs the West African Elders Forum election observation mission, had been in the country monitoring the polls when the military seized power. Attempts by several observer groups to leave through the airport were halted due to the closure of flights.

The Guardian has not confirmed his safety, but Business Africa Insider reports that this has been confirmed by his associates, though the former Nigerian president remains unable to exit the country.

The observers, in a statement, stressed the need for calm among the population and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Guinea-Bissau’s democratic process.

The statement read: “We express concern about the arrests of top officials, including those who are in charge of the electoral process. In this regard, we urge the armed forces to immediately release the detained officials to allow the country’s electoral process to proceed to its conclusion. We call on the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm, and we affirm our commitment to supporting the country on its democratic path. and in this respect, we underscore the importance of preserving peace, stability, and the well-being of the Bissau-Guinean people during this sensitive period.”

Guinea-Bissau has experienced multiple coups since its independence, and the latest intervention reflects longstanding political instability. Observers remain trapped as the military consolidates its control over the country.