Election observation missions from the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) have condemned the recent military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, which led to the suspension of the country’s presidential and legislative elections.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a joint statement released on Wednesday, the missions described the military intervention as “a blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process.” The statement was signed by Filipe Nyusi, Head of the AU Election Observation Mission; Issifu Kamara, Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission; and former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, Head of the West African Elders Forum.
“We express deep concern with the announcement of a coup d’état by the armed forces, while the nation was awaiting the announcement of the election results,” the statement read.
“It is regrettable that this announcement came at a time when the missions had just concluded meetings with the two leading presidential candidates, who assured us of their willingness to accept the will of the people. We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains that have been achieved thus far. We request the African Union and ECOWAS to take the necessary steps to restore constitutional order.”
The military intervention followed the 23 November elections, in which both incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias declared victory. On Wednesday, military officers announced they were taking “total control of the country, suspending its electoral process and closing its borders” after gunfire erupted near the presidential palace.
General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, told reporters that a command “composed of all branches of the armed forces, was taking over the leadership of the country until further notice.” He cited an alleged plot to destabilise Guinea-Bissau involving national drug lords and weapons meant to alter the constitutional order. The military also suspended media programming and imposed a nationwide curfew.
The AU and ECOWAS missions expressed concern over the arrest of top electoral officials and urged their immediate release to allow the electoral process to proceed.
“We call on the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm, and we affirm our commitment to supporting the country on its democratic path,” the statement said. “We underscore the importance of preserving peace, stability, and the well-being of the Bissau-Guinean people during this sensitive period.”
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, chair of the WAEF observer mission, confirmed that he is safe but stranded in Guinea-Bissau due to the closure of all borders.
Guinea-Bissau has experienced multiple coups since independence, highlighting the country’s ongoing political fragility. The observation missions urged both the AU and ECOWAS to act urgently to restore constitutional order.
