The president of Guinea-Bissau dissolves parliament.

President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau has dissolved parliament, three months after claiming to have survived a coup attempt.

He accused politicians of corruption in a statement carried by the Reuters news agency.

According to the AFP news agency, he also highlighted "persistent and unresolved disputes" with parliament.

"Under the pretense of parliamentary immunity, the National People's Assembly has defended and sheltered deputies heavily accused of crimes of corruption, detrimental administration, and embezzlement," the president added.

According to VOA, Mr. Embaló disbanded the cabinet but retained both the prime minister and his deputy to keep things going until the next legislative elections.

"I have chosen to give the floor to Guineans so that they can freely choose the parliament they want this year at the ballot box," President Embaló remarked.

Since independence in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has had more than a dozen coups or attempted coups.

In February, gunfire erupted in the capital, killing 11 individuals in five hours of violence.

The president claimed there had been an attempt on his life, although his version of events was later questioned by several.