G.Bissau urges calm after reports of unrest among troops

Guinea-Bissau authorities urged calm Tuesday after reports of unrest within the presidential guard, a day after former leader Umaro Sissoco Embalo announced plans to return from exile.

Several social media accounts had reported discontent among members of the guard after a number of troops were reportedly transferred to another army unit.

According to reports, several soldiers, including officers, were disarmed and placed under supervision at armed forces headquarters.

Interior ministry spokesman Agostinho Tonecas Djata sought to play down the claims.

"There is no alarming situation that should create panic in Bissau," he told reporters.

"The movements observed recently are part of routine reassignments within the defence and security forces. This is perfectly normal," he said, urging residents to remain calm.

"Go about your business as usual," he added.

The reports came amid continuing political uncertainty in the west African nation.

Months after being ousted in a November coup, Embalo told AFP on Monday that he would soon return home and run in the December 6 election, intended to restore constitutional order.

The army seized power in the perennially unstable and poor west African nation just days after a presidential vote, overthrowing Embalo and suspending the electoral process.

At the time, many suspected Embalo of planning the coup himself to halt an electoral process he appeared likely to lose.

The Portuguese-speaking country, wedged between Senegal and Guinea, has experienced four coups and numerous attempted putsches since independence from Portugal, even before last year's military takeover.