Nigeria has strongly condemned Wednesday’s military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, describing the coup as a serious setback to democratic governance in West Africa and calling for the swift restoration of constitutional order.

In a statement issued on Thursday morning, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Nigerian government was “dismayed” by the development and insisted that the actions of the Bissau-Guinean military violate both regional norms and the will of the people.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria, in the strongest possible terms, condemns this act of military insurrection which undermines the democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability not only of Guinea-Bissau but of the entire West African sub-region,” ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said.

He added that the coup “represents a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which explicitly rejects any ascension to power through unconstitutional means.”

Nigeria called for the “immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order”, urging the junta to guarantee the safety of all detained officials and respect the integrity of state institutions. The government also asked all political actors to “exercise utmost restraint, prioritise peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau” as expressed in Sunday’s election.

“We warn that those behind this act will be held accountable for their actions, which threaten to plunge the nation into chaos and reverse the hard-won gains of its democracy,” the statement added, noting that Nigeria will work with ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community to ensure a quick return to civilian rule.

The condemnation followed Wednesday’s dramatic announcement by military officers in Bissau that they had taken “total control” of the country, suspended the electoral process and shut its borders. The declaration came three days after legislative and presidential elections.

General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, told journalists that a command “composed of all branches of the armed forces” had taken over leadership of the state “until further notice.” He delivered the message seated at a table, flanked by armed soldiers.

The military also detained incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who was widely viewed as the frontrunner in the presidential race. The coup has drawn widespread condemnation from regional and international bodies.

ECOWAS, AU MISSIONS

Election observation missions from ECOWAS and the African Union have also expressed alarm over the military takeover, calling it a deliberate attempt to undermine the democratic process just as the country awaited official election results.

In a joint statement signed by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who heads the West African Elders Forum; former Mozambican President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, head of the AU Mission; and Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara, head of the ECOWAS Observation Mission, the groups urged the junta to immediately release all detained officials.

The observers said the voting process had been peaceful and orderly, and that both leading presidential candidates assured them they would accept the outcome of the election before the sudden intervention of the armed forces.

“It’s regrettable that this announcement came at a time when the missions had just concluded a meeting with the two leading presidential candidates, who assured us of their willingness to accept the will of the people,” the missions said.

“We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains that have been achieved thus far. We request the African Union and the ECOWAS to take the necessary steps to restore constitutional order.”

The statement urged Bissau-Guineans to “remain calm”, stressing the missions’ commitment to supporting the country’s democratic transition. They emphasised the importance of “preserving peace, stability and the well-being of the Bissau-Guinean people during this sensitive period.”

Guinea-Bissau has a long history of coups and attempted coups, with Wednesday’s takeover adding to fears of renewed instability in a region already grappling with military disruptions in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Niger.

READ MORE: https://eaglefm.ng/guinea-bissau-rocked-by-coup-military-seizes-power-and-halts-electoral-process/