BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau — Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau on Thursday announced a new junta leader, cementing a forceful takeover of power that began after a disputed presidential election, in what the main opposition candidate called a ploy to prevent him from taking over power.

The military high command inaugurated Gen. Horta Inta-A as the head of the military government, which will oversee a one-year transition period, according to a declaration broadcast on state television.

Guinea-Bissau, one of the world’s poorest countries, has been dogged by coups and attempted coups since its independence from Portugal more than 50 years ago, including a coup attempt in October. The country of 2.2 million people is known as a hub for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe, a trend that expert

See Full Page