The African Union and ECOWAS observation missions have strongly condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau that occurred just as the nation awaited presidential and legislative election results.
Regional Bodies Unite Against Military Takeover
In a powerful joint statement released on Thursday, the African Union Election Observation Mission, the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, and the West Africa Elders Forum expressed serious concern about the coup d'état announced by Guinea-Bissau's armed forces.
The statement carried signatures from three prominent African figures: former President of Mozambique Filipe Nyusi, Issifu Kamara, and former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.
Democratic Process Disrupted Despite Peaceful Voting
The regional missions noted that the voting process for both presidential and legislative elections had concluded in an orderly and peaceful manner. They commended the citizens of Guinea-Bissau for their strong civic engagement and praised the professionalism demonstrated by various participants in the electoral process.
Polling staff, security personnel, presidential candidates, and party agents all received recognition for their conduct during the voting period.
However, the military announcement came as a severe blow to the democratic process. "Despite these encouraging developments, we express deep concern with the announcement of a coup d'etat by the armed forces, while the nation was waiting for the announcement of the results," the joint statement emphasized.
Urgent Calls for Constitutional Restoration
The timing of the military intervention proved particularly troubling as it occurred shortly after the missions had met with the two leading presidential candidates. Both candidates had assured the observers of their willingness to accept the people's will through the electoral process.
The organizations described the military action as "a blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains that have been achieved thus far."
Military officers declared they had seized power and announced the removal of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo while suspending the electoral process entirely. Confirmed reports indicated that President Embalo had been arrested, though military sources claimed he was being "well-treated."
The regional bodies raised alarms about the arrests of top officials, including those responsible for managing the electoral process. They demanded the immediate release of all detained officials to allow the electoral process to reach its proper conclusion.
The African Union and ECOWAS were urged to take all necessary steps to restore constitutional order in the country. The joint statement concluded by calling on the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm while reaffirming the organizations' commitment to supporting the nation's democratic journey.
Preserving peace, stability, and the well-being of citizens during this sensitive period was underscored as critically important for the future of Guinea-Bissau.
