Bissau: A group of army officers in Guinea-Bissau has staged a coup, declaring the ousting of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo just hours before the expected announcement of presidential election results.

According to Qatar News Agency, in a televised address, the officers announced the suspension of the electoral process, the closure of national borders, and the imposition of a nationwide curfew. The statement marked a dramatic escalation in the West African nation political crisis, as tensions mounted following a fiercely contested vote.

The officers also announced the formation of a high military command for the restoration of order to govern the West African nation until further notice. Eyewitnesses reported gunfire near the electoral commission, presidential palace, and interior ministry for nearly an hour before the announcement.

Later, President Embalo confirmed his ousting in an interview with France 24. The electoral commission was scheduled to announce preliminary results on Thursday from Sunday's tightly contested vote between Embalo and main challenger Fernando Dias.