Election observation missions deployed to Guinea-Bissau by the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) have condemned the suspension of election results and the subsequent military takeover in the country.
The groups, in a joint statement on Wednesday, described the development as “a blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process” in the West African nation.
The statement was signed by the Head of the AU Election Observation Mission, Filipe Nyusi; Head of the ECOWAS Mission, Issifu Kamara; and former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum delegation.
They urged the AU and ECOWAS to take all necessary measures to restore constitutional order.
“We express deep concern with the announcement of a coup d’état by the armed forces while the nation awaited the results,” the missions said.
“It is regrettable that this announcement came moments after the missions met the two leading presidential candidates, who had both pledged to accept the will of the people.”
MILITARY ANNOUNCES TAKEOVER
Guinea-Bissau held its presidential and legislative elections on Saturday, with incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias both claiming victory.
However, while citizens waited for official results, military officers announced on Wednesday that they had taken “total control of the country,” suspended the electoral process and closed all borders.
The announcement followed heavy gunfire near the presidential palace earlier in the day, with armed soldiers blocking access roads.
General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, said a command made up of all branches of the armed forces had taken power “until further notice.” He claimed the military had uncovered a plot involving “national drug lords” aimed at destabilising the country and altering the constitutional order.
He also announced the suspension of media operations, a nationwide curfew and the arrest of several senior officials, including members of the electoral commission.
AU, ECOWAS DEMAND RELEASE OF DETAINED OFFICIALS
The observer missions raised alarm over the arrests, insisting that the detained election officials must be released immediately to allow the electoral process to be completed.
“We call on the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting the country’s democratic path and underscore the importance of preserving peace and stability,” the statement added.
Guinea-Bissau has a long history of political instability, having recorded four successful coups and several failed attempts since independence from Portugal in 1974.
