G’Bissau’s Embaló flees to Senegal as opposition say ex-president used military to prevent imminent defeat 

President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau has fled to Senegal following a suspicious military takeover that halted the announcement of the country’s election results.

Senegalese authorities confirmed that Embaló arrived safely after being briefly detained by Bissau’s soldiers who moved early Thursday to dissolve his government and seize key state institutions.

The military installed the army chief of staff, General Horta N’Tam, as head of a one-year transitional government. He was sworn in at military headquarters, saying he had taken control of the High Command to “restore order.”

Opposition presidential candidate Fernando Dias da Costa, who claims he won Sunday’s election with 52 percent of the vote, insisted the takeover was orchestrated by Embaló himself to stop Costa from assuming office.

“There wasn’t a coup. It was organised by Mr Embaló,” he said from hiding.

The capital, Bissau, shut down as heavily armed troops patrolled streets, closed markets and banned all media broadcasts. Though borders were briefly sealed, the new military leadership later lifted curfews and ordered schools and businesses to reopen.

The African Union, ECOWAS and the European Union condemned the coup, demanding a swift return to constitutional rule.

With four successful coups since 1974, many citizens say the country appears stuck in a loop of instability.