Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau have appeared on state television to say they have seized power in the country following reports of gunshots near the presidential palace.

The president has told French media he has been deposed and arrested. Wednesday's events occurred three days after national elections. The military high command asserted they acted in response to a plan to destabilize the country involving both domestic and foreign nationals.

They have suspended the electoral process and closed borders.

Guinea-Bissau has seen four coups and numerous attempted ones since independence, including one reported last month. This is the latest of several coups in recent years in West Africa.

Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the Secretary-General, United Nations, said the Secretary-General is following the situation "with deep concern."

"He appeals to all national stakeholders in Guinea-Bissau to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law," Dujarric said.