Coup leaders shut air space

RESIDENTS fled the capital of Guinea-Bissau yesterday and some stockpiled supplies after military chiefs shut the country’s air and sea space following their coup four days ago.

As uncertainty in the impoverished West African state grew, former colonial power Portugal denounced what it called an “absolutely illegitimate military coup” and said it had dispatched a military force in case it became necessary to evacuate its citizens.

The prospect of Portuguese planes and warships arriving prompted Guinea-Bissau’s military chiefs to shut the country’s air and sea space to all unauthorised traffic.

“Non-observance of this measure will imply a military response,” a communique announcing the move said.

Ordinary people appeared to be bracing themselves for the worst as it became clear that last week’s coup – in which soldiers cut short a presidential election – had created a power vacuum.