Guinea-Bissau’s deposed President, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, has fled to neighbouring Senegal after the military removed him from power on Wednesday.

Authorities in Dakar confirmed that Embaló arrived safely in the Senegalese capital yesterday, following a rapid takeover that unfolded before election results from last weekend’s vote could be released.

In Guinea-Bissau, the military has moved swiftly to consolidate control, naming General Horta N’Ta Na Man as the country’s interim leader for the next year. He was sworn in during a ceremony held at army headquarters, under tight security.

Dozens of heavily armed soldiers stood guard as the general took the oath of office. The army had earlier blocked the publication of election results that were due to be announced today. Embaló had been widely expected to secure re-election.

N’Ta Na Man had long been viewed as an ally of the ousted President, a detail that has raised further questions about the motivations behind the sudden power shift.

–ChannelAfrica–