Coup in Guinea-Bissau: AU, ECOWAS, WAEF Raise Alarm Over Threat to Democracy

• ECOWAS, the African Union, and the West African Elders Forum have jointly condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as a major setback to the country’s democratic process and urging the immediate release of detained officials.

Regional election observation missions from ECOWAS, the African Union (AU), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) have strongly condemned the military coup that unfolded in Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday, describing it as a severe blow to the country’s democratic progress.

The condemnation was issued in a joint statement signed by Filipe Nyusi, former President of Mozambique and Head of the AU Election Observation Mission; former Nigerian President and Head of the West African Elders Forum, Goodluck Jonathan; and Issifu Kamara, Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission.

Praise for Peaceful Polls

The observers noted that their condemnation comes only days after the presidential and legislative elections held on 23 November 2025, which they had earlier described as orderly, transparent, and well-conducted.

“We commend the people of Guinea-Bissau for their strong civic participation and the professionalism displayed by polling staff, security personnel, and party agents throughout the voting process,” the statement said.

Shock as Military Interrupts Electoral Process

The missions expressed deep concern over the timing of the coup, noting that they had just concluded meetings with the two leading presidential candidates, both of whom had pledged to respect the outcome of the elections.

“Despite these encouraging developments, we are alarmed by the announcement of a coup d’état by the armed forces while the nation awaited official results,” they said.

The group added that the takeover undermines the goodwill and commitments made by the candidates and threatens to reverse the democratic gains recorded in recent years.

Demand for Release of Officials

The missions condemned the arrest of senior government and electoral officials, describing it as a deliberate attempt to derail the democratic process. They urged ECOWAS and the AU to take necessary measures to ensure a swift return to constitutional order.

They further demanded the “immediate release” of all detained officials to allow the electoral process to continue.

Reaffirming their support for Guinea-Bissau’s democratic journey, the observers called on citizens to remain calm during this period of uncertainty.

DON’T MISS: ‘FG Making Deals With Kidnappers, Reinforcing Banditry Economy, Can’t Deny it’: Bolaji Abdullahi

“We underscore the importance of preserving peace, stability, and the well-being of the Bissau-Guinean people during this sensitive period,” they added.

Background

The coup marks a dramatic escalation of post-election tension in Guinea-Bissau. Earlier on Wednesday, a group of military officers announced that they had taken “total control” of the government, just days after the closely contested elections.

Local reports indicate that President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been arrested and is being detained at the Armed Forces headquarters in Bissau. Embaló, who was widely considered the frontrunner for a second term, faced stiff competition from challengers Fernando da Costa and Domingos Simões Pereira—both of whom also claimed victory.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that some opposition figures, including Pereira, are being held at the Bissau air base.

The military has suspended the electoral process indefinitely, plunging the nation into deep political uncertainty and attracting widespread international concern.