Guinea-Bissau coup: SA calls for 'immediate restoration of legitimate civilian govt'

South Africa is calling for the immediate restoration of government rule in Guinea-Bissau following a recent military coup.

A group of military officers seized power earlier this week, just a day before the national election results were due to be announced.

It’s believed the coup was triggered by both presidential candidates declaring victory before official results were announced.

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At a media briefing, the military officers claimed they have evidence that this was part of a broader plan to destabilise the country by manipulating electoral results.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the unconstitutional takeover must be ended.

“In unwavering support of the African Union's principle of ‘zero tolerance’ for unconstitutional changes of government, South Africa calls for the immediate restoration of the legitimate civilian government and the unhindered completion of the electoral process.”