Election observers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) have expressed strong concern over the coup in Guinea-Bissau, calling on the military authorities to release government officials detained during the takeover.
The concerns were raised in a joint statement signed by former Nigerian president and Head of the West African Elders Forum, Goodluck Jonathan; Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission and former President of Mozambique, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi; and Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara, Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission.
While commending the peaceful and orderly conduct of Sunday’s elections, the observers said they were “deeply concerned” by the armed forces’ announcement of a coup d’état as the nation awaited the release of results.
“It is regrettable that this announcement came at a time when the missions had just concluded a meeting with the two leading presidential candidates, who assured us of their willingness to accept the will of the people,” the statement read.
“We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains achieved thus far. We urge the African Union and ECOWAS to take the necessary steps to restore constitutional order.”
The observer missions also appealed to the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm, reaffirming their commitment to supporting the country’s democratic trajectory and emphasising the importance of preserving peace, stability, and the well-being of citizens during this volatile period.
On Wednesday, military officers in Guinea-Bissau announced they were assuming “total control” of the country, suspending the electoral process and closing all borders—three days after the poverty-stricken nation held legislative and presidential elections.
At a press briefing, General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, declared that a command structure “composed of all branches of the armed forces” would take over leadership “until further notice.” He delivered the statement while seated at a table, flanked by heavily armed soldiers.
Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló—widely tipped to win Sunday’s vote—was reportedly inside a building behind military headquarters “with the chief of staff and the minister of the interior,” a senior officer told AFP on condition of anonymity. Embaló later said he had been arrested while inside the presidential palace.
Others detained include the chief of staff, General Biague Na Ntan; deputy chief of staff, General Mamadou Traoré; and interior minister, Botche Candé.
