West Africa's ECOWAS and African Union observers on Wednesday expressed concern over the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau and the arrests of election officials, a joint statement issued by the organizations said.

Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau have announced a new junta leader for the country, cementing a forceful takeover of power that began days after the country’s presidential election.

Military officers have taken over Guinea-Bissau and claimed "total control" of the government. The president has been deposed after a highly contested election.

Military officers in Guinea-Bissau declared "total control" of the coup-prone west African country Wednesday, closing its borders and suspending its electoral process three days after general elections.

Results from Sunday’s presidential vote, a contest between President Embalo and his main challenger, Fernando Dias were to be released on Thursday.

Timipere Felix Allison, executive director, Conflict Research Network West Africa, has asked ECOWAS to mobilise countries in the