The Federal Government has firmly rejected the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, urging the immediate return of constitutional governance after a group of army officers seized control of the country.
In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it received news of the coup “with profound dismay and deep concern.” It described the action as a direct affront to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which prohibits any form of unconstitutional change of government.
Gunfire was reportedly heard near the headquarters of the electoral commission in Bissau on Wednesday, shortly before the self-styled “High Military Command for the Restoration” appeared on national television to announce that it had taken control of the state. The officers said they had deposed President Umaro Embalo, suspended the electoral process, sealed the borders and imposed a curfew.
The development occurred just hours before the expected release of presidential election results, in which Embalo of the Madem-G15 party was contesting against Fernando Dias of the Party for Social Renewal.
Nigeria, in its response, called on the coup leaders to immediately restore civilian authority, respect democratic institutions and guarantee the safety of all detainees. It stressed that the coup violates the principles enshrined in the 2001 ECOWAS protocol, which commits member states to political stability and constitutional order.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and call for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order,” the government said, adding that the security of detained officials and election observers must be assured.
The statement further urged the military to exercise restraint and allow the electoral commission to conclude its work in accordance with the will of the electorate. Nigeria also appealed to all actors in Guinea-Bissau to embrace dialogue and prioritise peace as the country awaits the official announcement of results.
The Federal Government warned that those responsible for the coup would be held accountable for actions that threaten to destabilise the nation and undermine its democratic progress.
