Doha: Guinea-Bissau's armed forces have appointed General Horta N'ta Na Man as the country's transitional president for a one-year period, following a military takeover that unfolded just days after national elections.

According to Qatar News Agency, the army announced that the general was sworn in during a ceremony at the headquarters of the General Staff under tight security measures. This announcement comes amid increasing international condemnation of the coup, during which soldiers seized control of state institutions and detained President Umaro Sissoco Embalo.

The African Union has denounced the military takeover, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the ousted president. The organization described the events as a serious breach of constitutional order, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also issued a strongly worded statement, asserting that the coup represents a grave violation of constitutional rule and poses a direct threat to the stability of Guinea-Bissau and the wider region.

On Wednesday, the military declared that it had assumed full control of the country, suspended the electoral process, and detained Embalo. The final results of the presidential and legislative elections, held only three days earlier, were due to be announced on Thursday.

Guinea-Bissau, a country with a history of political volatility, now faces a new period of uncertainty as regional and international actors deliberate their response to the unfolding crisis.