New york: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is closely monitoring the situation in Guinea-Bissau following a military coup that resulted in the ousting of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo on Wednesday. The Secretary-General has expressed his "deep concern" over the developments and has called for all parties in the country to exercise restraint and adhere to the rule of law, as stated by his spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

According to Anadolu Agency, the coup occurred when the military took control, citing a plot to "destabilize" the country as their justification. A self-identified group of military officers, calling themselves the "High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order," announced their takeover of state powers via a statement on state television. In response to their claims of a threat, the military has suspended media operations, halted the electoral process, and closed all of the country's borders. A curfew has also been imposed, starting at 9 pm local time.

The coup transpired amidst a contested presidential election, with both independent candidate Fernando Dias and President Embalo's supporters declaring victory in the election held over the weekend. The country was still awaiting official election results when the military intervened.

UN Secretary-General Guterres has stated his commitment to continuing to closely follow the unfolding events in the nation.