Heavy gunfire has been heard in the capital of Guinea-Bissau near the seat of the gov
ernment, according to media reports.
Armed men surrounded the government palace on Tuesday, where President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and Prime Minister Nuno Gomes Nabiam were believed to have gone to attend a cabinet meeting.
The state broadcaster reported that the shooting has damaged the government palace, which is located close to the airport, and that “invaders” are holding government officials.
Reports from Dakar in neighbouring Senegal, said it was unclear whether the gunfire was the presidential guards trying to protect the president, or if there was an attack on the government palace.
The whereabouts of the president and the prime minister remain unknown at this time, he said.
