SOLDIERS in Guinea-Bissau in west Africa today announced a new junta leader, cementing a forceful takeover of power that began after a disputed presidential election.

The military high command named General Horta Inta-A, formerly the army chief of staff and a close ally of ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, to head a military government that will preside over a one-year transition period, according to a statement on state television.

Guinea-Bissau, one of the world’s poorest countries, has been plagued by coups since its independence from Portugal more than 50 years ago.

General Inta-A said the armed forces intervened because political leaders had failed to halt a worsening political crisis.

President Embalo’s whereabouts remain unknown.

He earlier told French media that soldiers arrested him as gunfire erupted near the presidential palace.

African Union Commission chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf condemned the coup and demanded respect for the electoral process and the unconditional release of the president.

Opposition contender Fernando Dias claimed the takeover was “fabricated” to disrupt results, insisting he had won the vote, though his claims could not be verified.

The coup is the latest in a wave of military power grabs across West Africa, where disputed elections have heightened tensions and emboldened armed forces.