West African Country in Chaos: Coup Leaders Announce Election Cancellation Amid Allegations of Vote Rigging
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Guinea-Bissau, a small West African nation, has plunged into crisis as a military coup unfolds. The High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order, a group of soldiers, has seized power, citing concerns over an alleged plot to rig the recent presidential elections. The elections, held on November 23, were expected to release results on Thursday, but the military has halted the electoral process, effective immediately. The group, led by General Denis N'Canha, claims to have discovered a plot involving 'well-known local and foreign drug barons' to manipulate the vote. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who was seeking a second term, has been removed from power, and his main rival, Fernando Dias, has accused Embaló of staging a false coup to avoid defeat. The situation on the ground is tense, with borders closed, a curfew imposed, and soldiers patrolling the streets. The opposition African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde has backed Dias, calling for protests and demanding the publication of results. Guinea-Bissau has a history of instability, with repeated coups and attempts since its independence in 1974. The country has also been plagued by drug trafficking, which has deepened political tensions. The international community has condemned the takeover, with the United Nations expressing 'deep concern' over the developments. As the situation continues to unfold, the future of Guinea-Bissau remains uncertain. The military has announced that a command of officers from all branches of the armed forces will run the country 'until further notice.'
