The Federal Government has strongly denounced the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, describing the development as a grave assault on democratic governance and a destabilising threat to West Africa.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria said it received news of the coup “with profound dismay and deep concern,” insisting that the action amounted to “an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.”
According to the statement, “Nigeria condemns this act of military insurrection which undermines democratic progress, constitutional order, and regional stability.”
The government stressed that the coup represents a direct violation of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which forbids any attempt to seize power through non-democratic means.
Reaffirming its solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria called for the “immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the safety and security of all those detained, and full respect for democratic institutions.”
The government also urged the junta to guarantee the protection of international observers still in the country.
“We unequivocally call on the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure the safety of all election observers on official assignment,” the statement added.
While appealing for calm, the Federal Government asked all actors involved to “exercise utmost restraint, prioritise peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people as expressed through the electoral process.”
Nigeria further warned those behind the coup that they would be held accountable for actions capable of plunging the country into chaos.
“The perpetrators will face consequences for endangering the nation’s stability and reversing its democratic gains,” the government stated.
It noted that Nigeria, working alongside ECOWAS and the African Union, would take necessary steps to ensure the swift return of normalcy.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to promoting democracy, peace, and stability across the African continent.”
The condemnation comes amid heightened tension in Guinea-Bissau, where military officers on Wednesday announced they had taken “total control” of the country, sealing borders and suspending the electoral process just three days after general elections.
Gunfire was reported near the presidential palace, and armed soldiers blocked major access routes.
General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, declared that a joint command of the armed forces had assumed leadership of the country “until further notice.”
Incumbent President Umaro Embalo, who was said to be inside a secured government building, later told French broadcaster France24, “I have been deposed.”
Both Embalo and opposition candidate Fernando Dias had already claimed victory ahead of the provisional results expected on Thursday.
The coup adds to Guinea-Bissau’s long history of political instability, having experienced several successful military takeovers and numerous failed attempts since independence.
Monitoring groups from the African Union and ECOWAS have also condemned the military’s actions, warning that the development is a direct attempt to derail the democratic process.
More than 6,700 security personnel, including ECOWAS Stabilisation Force troops, had been deployed for the elections, which followed years of political tension.
