Nigeria kicks against Guinea-Bissau coup, promises to work for swift return to democracy
Nigeria has strongly condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as a serious setback for democracy and stability in the West African region.
The condemnation follows Wednesday’s announcement by a group of military officers in the Lusophone nation declaring that they had seized power, halted the ongoing electoral process, and would govern the country “until further notice.” The intervention came just days after Guinea-Bissau’s presidential election.
Before official results were released by the electoral commission, incumbent President Umaro Embaló and his main challenger, Fernando Dias, both claimed victory, heightening political tension in the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the development, insisting that the coup violates key democratic principles.
“This coup d’état 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,” ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said.
Nigeria urged the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional rule, alongside assurances of safety for all persons detained by the junta.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and call for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the safety and security of all those detained and the full respect for the sanctity of democratic institutions,” the statement said.
The Nigerian government also warned that the military leaders involved must face consequences for actions capable of destabilising the country and reversing democratic progress. It further demanded protection for all international observers still in Guinea-Bissau.
Among those currently stuck in the country is former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan. He is part of a 36-member observer team deployed by the African Union, ECOWAS and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) to monitor the election.
