Military officers seize “total control” of Guinea-Bissau, suspend elections, and close borders.
Election observer missions from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) have condemned the recent coup in Guinea-Bissau, urging military authorities to immediately release government officials detained during the takeover.
The statement, signed by Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria and Head of the West African Elders Forum; Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, former President of Mozambique and Head of the AU Election Observation Mission; and Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara, Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, expressed deep concern over the unfolding situation.
According to the observers, while the elections in Guinea-Bissau were conducted peacefully, the announcement of a coup “disrupts the democratic process and undermines the gains achieved so far.” They called on the AU and ECOWAS to take urgent steps to restore constitutional order.
The missions also appealed to the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm, emphasizing the importance of peace, stability, and the well-being of citizens during this critical period.
Military officers announced on Wednesday that they were taking “total control” of the country, suspending the electoral process, and closing borders. The declaration came three days after presidential and legislative elections in the poverty-stricken West African nation.
General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, told reporters that a command “composed of all branches of the armed forces” had assumed leadership of Guinea-Bissau “until further notice,” reading the announcement while surrounded by armed soldiers.
Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, expected to win Sunday’s election, was reportedly detained inside the presidential palace along with key officials, including Chief of Staff General Biague Na Ntan, Deputy Chief of Staff General Mamadou Traore, and Interior Minister Botche Cande.