BISSAU - African Union chief Jean Ping said Wednesday that normality had returned to Guinea-Bissau two days after the troubled west African state's army chief claimed to have foiled a coup.

Ping paid a brief visit to Bissau in the wake of the foiled coup and clashes which followed overnight and Tuesday, saying the situation was "a source of concern" for the African Union.

"In light of my different meetings I think that the situation has now normalised," Ping told journalists, adding he was "optimistic" as he left the country for Banjul, Gambia.

"Dialogue must be maintained between authorities, politicians, civilians and soldiers so that together, they can maintain peace, stability and national harmony."

Ping held talks with Speaker Raimundo Pereira, the interim head of state in the absence of President Malam Bacai Sanha, who is currently undergoing medical care in France.

The AU chief also met with Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Junior.~

On Monday, Guinea-Bissau's army chief, Antonio Indjai, said loyalist forces had thwarted a coup bid masterminded by the country's navy chief, Jose Americo Bubo Na Tchuto, who is now under arrest.