Regional bodies, the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), alongside the West African Elders Forum, have condemned the suspension of election result announcements and the subsequent military takeover in Guinea-Bissau.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the three election observation missions described the development as “a blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process” and called for urgent action to restore constitutional order.
The statement was co-signed by Head of the AU Election Observation Mission, Filipe Nyusi; Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, Issifu Kamara; and former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who leads the West African Elders Forum.
According to the observers, the armed forces announced a coup while the nation awaited the final results of last Saturday’s presidential and legislative elections, in which incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias had both claimed early victory.
The missions criticised the military’s action as particularly troubling because it occurred shortly after both leading presidential candidates assured the observers of their willingness to respect the will of the people.
“We deplore this blatant attempt to undermine the electoral process and the democratic gains made so far,” the statement read. “We urge the AU and ECOWAS to take necessary steps to restore constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau.”
On Wednesday, soldiers seized control of key state institutions, closed borders, halted the electoral process, and imposed a curfew following heavy gunfire near the presidential palace in Bissau. General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, said the armed forces were assuming authority due to an alleged plot by “national drug lords” to destabilise the country.
The military also detained senior officials of the electoral commission; an action the observer missions strongly condemned.
They demanded the immediate release of the detained officials to allow the conclusion of the electoral process.
“We call on the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm,” the missions stated, reaffirming their commitment to supporting democratic stability in the country.
Guinea-Bissau has a long history of political instability, having experienced four successful coups and several attempted ones since independence.
