The African Union (AU) and ECOWAS Election Observation Missions, alongside the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), have strongly condemned Wednesday’s military coup in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as a dangerous setback for the country’s democratic progress.
Their position was contained in a joint statement issued by the heads of the three missions. The statement, obtained by NAN, was signed by former President of Mozambique and Head of the AU Election Monitoring Mission, Filipe Nyusi; former Nigerian President and Chairman of the West African Elders Forum, Goodluck Jonathan; and Issifu Kamara, Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission.
The joint mission leaders recalled that Guinea-Bissau had concluded its presidential and legislative elections peacefully on November 23, 2025, with voters demonstrating strong civic responsibility and electoral officials showing professionalism throughout the process.
“We commend the people of Guinea-Bissau for their determination and peaceful participation, and we applaud the commitment of polling staff, security personnel, and party agents who contributed to the orderly conduct of the elections,” the statement read.
However, they said the announcement of a military takeover—made while the nation awaited official election results—had gravely undermined these gains. The missions expressed shock that the coup occurred shortly after they held separate meetings with the two leading presidential candidates, who had pledged to respect the will of the electorate.
“We deeply regret that this unconstitutional interference came at a time when the candidates had assured us of their readiness to accept the people’s decision,” the leaders said.
The observers condemned the disruption of the democratic process and urged both the AU and ECOWAS to take swift action to ensure a return to constitutional governance. They also raised concern over the arrest of senior officials, including those overseeing the electoral process, insisting that their immediate release was necessary for the election to reach its legitimate conclusion.
“Our appeal is for calm among the citizens of Guinea-Bissau. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting the country in safeguarding its democratic journey,” the statement added.
The missions stressed that peace, stability, and the protection of citizens must remain priorities during what they described as a “highly sensitive period”.
According to NAN reports, Guinea-Bissau was plunged into political turmoil on Wednesday after military officers declared they had taken full control of the government—just days after a closely contested presidential and legislative election.
Local media reported that President Umaro Embaló had been arrested and detained at the general-staff headquarters. The military also announced the suspension of the electoral process, in which Embaló had been widely expected to secure a second term.
Opposition leaders Fernando da Costa and Domingos Pereira—both of whom claimed victory in the polls—were reportedly arrested as well and are currently being held at the Bissau Air Base.