AU, ECOWAS Observer Missions Condemn Guinea-Bissau Military Coup
AU and ECOWAS observers call for urgent action to restore democracy after military seizes power in Guinea-Bissau
- Military deposes President Embalo, halts electoral process, and imposes curfew
- Observer missions condemn coup and call for release of detained election officials
- AU and ECOWAS urged to intervene to restore constitutional order
The heads of the African Union (AU), ECOWAS election observation missions, and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) have expressed “deep concern” following a military takeover in Guinea-Bissau just days after the country held presidential and legislative elections.
On Wednesday, the military deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo as the nation awaited the announcement of election results from polls held on Sunday.
A group of officers identifying themselves as the “High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order” declared that they had assumed full powers of the state.
They also suspended media, halted the electoral process, closed borders, and imposed a nine-hour curfew starting at 9 pm local time.
In a joint statement, the observer missions condemned the coup, noting that it occurred just after meetings with the two leading presidential candidates, who had pledged to respect the will of the people.
They called on the African Union and ECOWAS to take swift action to restore constitutional order.
The missions also voiced concern over the arrest of election officials and urged the military to release detained personnel so the electoral process could continue.
They praised the people of Guinea-Bissau for their peaceful and orderly participation in the election, noting the strong civic engagement.
The coup comes amid competing claims of victory from independent candidate Fernando Dias and incumbent President Embalo, with the electoral commission expected to announce results by Thursday.
