Regional bodies including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) have strongly condemned the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as a major setback for the country’s democracy.
In a joint statement issued late Wednesday, the groups expressed deep concern after soldiers announced they had assumed control of government institutions, just days after the country held presidential and legislative elections.
The statement was signed by Filipe Nyusi, former President of Mozambique and head of the AU Election Observation Mission; former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who led the WAEF delegation; and Issifu Kamara, head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission.
Elections Previously Praised for Orderliness
The observer missions noted that their condemnation comes shortly after they had commended Guinea-Bissau’s 23 November elections for being peaceful, transparent, and well organised.
According to them, polling staff, security agencies, party agents, and citizens demonstrated professionalism and strong civic participation during the exercise.
They revealed that hours before the coup announcement, they had concluded meetings with the two top presidential contenders—both of whom reportedly pledged to respect the outcome of the vote.
Shock Over Coup Amid Pending Results
The groups said they were “deeply troubled” that the military intervened during the period when citizens awaited official results from the electoral commission.
“Despite the encouraging conduct of the polls, we are alarmed by the decision of the armed forces to disrupt the process at such a critical stage,” the missions said. They added that the coup jeopardises the democratic gains made in the country in recent years.
Call for Restoration of Constitutional Order
The joint statement condemned the detention of senior government and electoral officials, calling the arrests an “unacceptable attempt to derail the democratic process.”
The regional bodies urged the AU and ECOWAS authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance.
They also demanded the immediate release of all detained officials, stressing that the electoral process must be allowed to run its full course.
Appeal for Calm
Reaffirming their commitment to supporting peace and democracy in Guinea-Bissau, the missions appealed to citizens to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
“We underscore the importance of preserving peace, stability, and the well-being of the Bissau-Guinean people during this sensitive period,” the statement added.
Background: Military Declares Control
Earlier on Wednesday, military officers announced they had taken full control of the government, following a closely fought presidential contest.
Local reports indicate that President Umaro Sissoco Embaló—who was widely viewed as a frontrunner for re-election—was arrested and is being held at the general-staff headquarters in Bissau.
Opposition leaders Fernando da Costa and Domingos Simões Pereira are also reportedly being detained at the Bissau air base.
The armed forces have suspended the electoral process, heightening uncertainty and drawing widespread international concern.
The coup represents one of the most significant disruptions to Guinea-Bissau’s political landscape since its return to multi-party democracy.If you want, I can also create a headline-only version, a shorter breaking-news version, or a more SEO-optimised edition.
