Bissau – The African Union (AU), Financial Group of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Discussion board have strongly condemned the army takeover in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as an unacceptable disruption of the democratic course of.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972)- [email protected]
The condemnation follows an announcement early Wednesday on state tv by a gaggle of senior military officers declaring they’d overthrown President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, halted the electoral course of, and assumed management of the nation.
In accordance with Reuters, the officers stated they’d suspended the vote rely from Sunday’s tightly contested presidential election, closed nationwide borders, imposed a curfew, and established a ruling physique named the Excessive Navy Command for the Restoration of Order. The junta acknowledged it will govern “till additional discover.”
Witnesses instructed Reuters that moments earlier than the televised announcement, heavy gunfire erupted close to key authorities services, together with the presidential palace, inside ministry, and the electoral fee headquarters.
The taking pictures lasted practically an hour earlier than subsiding. No casualties have but been reported.
The coup unfolded simply hours earlier than provisional election outcomes had been anticipated to be launched. President Embaló had been in a aggressive race in opposition to predominant rival Fernando Dias, with either side claiming early victory. If profitable, Embaló would have grow to be the primary chief in three many years to safe a second consecutive time period within the politically unstable nation.
In the meantime, France 24 reported that Embaló confirmed his removing from workplace, stating: “I’ve been deposed.” He added that he couldn’t reveal additional particulars for safety causes and disclosed that he was being held on the army normal employees headquarters.
Election Screens Reply
In a joint assertion issued in Bissau and signed by: Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, Head of the AU Election Statement Mission and former President of Mozambique, Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara, Head of the ECOWAS Election Statement Mission, and Goodluck Jonathan, Head of the West African Elders Discussion board and former President of Nigeria, the organizations acknowledged the peaceable conduct of the November 23, 2025, presidential and legislative elections and praised residents for his or her excessive civic engagement.
“We commend the folks of Guinea-Bissau for his or her robust civic participation and the professionalism demonstrated by polling employees, safety personnel, and social gathering brokers all through the method,” the assertion learn.
Nonetheless, the teams expressed alarm over the sudden disruption of the electoral course of.
“We categorical deep concern with the announcement of a coup d’état by the armed forces whereas the nation awaited the official election outcomes.”
The assertion additional famous that each main candidates had earlier dedicated to respect the ultimate final result of the elections.
Requires Restoration of Constitutional Order
The regional our bodies described the army motion as a “blatant try to derail democratic positive aspects.” They urged the AU and ECOWAS to take crucial measures to revive constitutional order.
The assertion additionally denounced the reported arrests of key authorities and electoral officers, calling for his or her instant launch.
“We urge the armed forces to launch all detained officers directly and permit the electoral course of to proceed to its lawful conclusion.”
The organizations appealed for calm and urged residents to keep away from acts that would escalate tensions.
“We reaffirm our dedication to supporting Guinea-Bissau’s democratic journey and underline the significance of peace, stability and the well-being of the Bissau-Guinean folks,” the discharge concluded.
