Bissau, November 27 (QNA) - 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.

In a statement on Thursday, the army said the general was sworn in during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the General Staff under tight security measures. The announcement came amid growing international condemnation of the coup, which saw soldiers seize control of state institutions and detain President Umaro Sissoco Embalo.

The African Union denounced the military takeover, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the ousted president. The bloc described the events as a serious breach of constitutional order.

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

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

Guinea-Bissau, a country long marred by political volatility, now faces a new period of uncertainty as regional and international actors weigh their response to the unfolding crisis. (QNA)