A group of military officers in Guinea-Bissau have claimed “total control” of the country, a day after the top candidates in a tightly contested presidential election both declared victory.

The officers released a statement on Wednesday declaring that they had ordered the immediate suspension of the electoral process; the closure of all land, air and sea borders, and an overnight curfew.

The move came shortly after sustained gunfire was heard the election commission headquarters, the presidential palace and the interior ministry in the capital, Bissau.

It also came a day before the results of Sunday’s presidential vote were expected to be announced in the West African nation.

More to come…