The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Addis Ababa

The African Union on Sunday warned against any attempt to take power by force in Guinea Bissau amid reports of post-election turmoil in the west African country.

AU Commission Chairman Jean Ping "is following with grave concern reports of a deterioration of the situation in Bissau," said a statement received by AFP in Addis Ababa, where the pan-African body is headquartered.

The continental organisation's top executive reiterated "the AU's total rejection of any anti-constitutional governnment change and condemned in advance any attempt to seize power by force."

Ping did not elaborate on who he believed may be threatening to challenge provisional legislative election results released on Friday, which saw Guinea Bissau's dominant PAIGC party win a convincing victory last weekend.