Ankara: Gen. Horta Inta-A has taken over the role of 'transitional president' in Guinea-Bissau on Thursday following a military coup, according to the country's state broadcaster TGB.

According to Anadolu Agency, a group of military officers identifying themselves as the "High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order" announced in a statement broadcast on state television on Wednesday that they "assumed full powers of the state." The military has implemented strict measures by suspending all media activities, halting the ongoing electoral process, closing all borders, and imposing a nine-hour curfew starting at 9 pm local time (2100GMT).

The heads of the electoral observer missions have called upon the African Union and ECOWAS to take the necessary steps to restore constitutional order in the West African country. The coup occurred amidst a contested presidential election, with both independent candidate Fernando Dias and incumbent President Embalo's camps claiming victory as the country awaited the results.