afrol News, 13 August - Guinea-Bissau's navy chief who allegedly led a coup bid last week in the impoverished west African country was arrested in Gambia, Gambian authorities have confirmed today.

Mr Rear Admiral Jose Americo Bubo Na Tchute is said to have escaped from house arrest in Guinea-Bissau, traveling to the nearby country by sea.

"The government of Gambia hereby announces the arrest in the Gambia of Rear Admiral Jose Americo Bubo Na Tchute, alleged leader of the coup plot foiled in Guinea Bissau on 6 August 2008," a statement from the Gambian president's office said.

Former Portuguese colony is in political crisis that has seen president Joao Bernardo Vierra dissolve parliament. That decision came a month after one of Guinea-Bissau's three main parties quit unity government.

At a press conference on Tuesday in Bissau, army spokesman said Mr Na Tchute took advantage of the failure of the guard posted outside his house to flee in the night of Monday to Tuesday herding to Gambia.

"Last Thursday, Mr Na Tchuto telephoned several top officers to request their assistance in his plan to depose the president," an army spokesman said.

United Nations expressed concerns on issues of security, saying foiled coup could lead to instability and affect polls planned for November. The current turmoil adds to tensions over pressure to stem the flow of cocaine through the country, which has become an international drugs hub.

In past decades Guinea Bissau, one of the world's poorest countries, has been plagued by bloody coups and uprisings.

Mr Vieira has ruled Guinea-Bissau for nearly 20 years before he was overthrown in 1998-1999 civil war. He returned from exile to win a controversial election in 2005, two years after soldiers overthrew his predecessor but has not enjoyed a merry relationship with parties in his coalition government.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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