Nigeria condemns Guinea-Bissau military coup, urges restoration of democratic governance

Nigeria condemns Guinea-Bissau military coup, urges restoration of democratic governance

The Federal Government of Nigeria has condemned the recent military coup in Guinea-Bissau, calling it a serious threat to democracy and regional stability in West Africa. In a statement on Thursday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the government received news of the takeover “with profound dismay and deep concern,” describing it as an “unconstitutional change of government.”

Nigeria criticized the coup as an act of insurrection that undermines constitutional rule, democratic progress, and regional peace. The statement highlighted that the takeover violates the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which strictly rejects any seizure of power through unconstitutional means.

“The Nigerian Government wishes to unequivocally call on the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure the safety of all election observers in the country,” the statement read. It further demanded the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order and protection for detained officials and democratic institutions.

The government also reiterated its commitment to work with ECOWAS, the African Union (AU), and international partners to restore normalcy and preserve democracy in the country.

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The statement came a day after Guinea-Bissau descended into uncertainty when military officers announced they had taken “total control” of the country, shut borders, and halted the announcement of electoral results, just three days after general elections. Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace, and soldiers blocked major access routes. A curfew and media blackout were imposed, and electoral activities were suspended.

Incumbent president Umaro Sissoco Embaló confirmed he had been deposed, while both Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias had earlier claimed victory ahead of provisional results scheduled for Thursday.

The AU, ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) condemned the military takeover in a joint statement, urging the armed forces to release detained electoral officials and allow the electoral commission to complete its work. The missions emphasized the need for calm among citizens and the prioritization of peace and public welfare.

This coup adds to Guinea-Bissau’s long history of political instability, which has seen four successful coups and multiple attempted ones since independence. The recent elections were already contentious, following the exclusion of the PAIGC party and its leader, Domingos Simões Pereira, a move criticized by opposition figures as manipulative.

Nigeria’s condemnation aligns with international calls to protect democracy, restore constitutional governance, and safeguard West African regional security, underscoring the urgent need for restraint, dialogue, and respect for the electoral process in Guinea-Bissau.

Nigeria condemns Guinea-Bissau military coup, urges restoration of democratic governance