Military forces in Guinea-Bissau announced on Wednesday that they have fully taken control of the country, declaring the suspension of the electoral process and the closure of all border crossings.

Local residents and journalists from AFP and Reuters reported gunfire near the presidential palace and in front of the National Electoral Commission headquarters in the capital.

Eyewitnesses said some pedestrians near the presidential palace and the election commission fled for cover as gunfire continued around 13:00 GMT.