The African Union, ECOWAS election observer mission, and several West African leaders have strongly condemned the latest military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, issuing a joint statement just hours after soldiers declared they had seized control of the country. The statement expressed deep concern over the arrest of incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and several election observers. According to the missions—led by Mozambique’s former President Filipe Nyusi and Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan—both leading presidential candidates had assured them earlier in the day that they would respect the election results, making the coup announcement even more troubling.
Military officers on Wednesday said they had taken “total control,” detained the president, closed all borders, and halted the electoral process. The coup unfolded three days after Guinea-Bissau held national elections to choose its next leader. The United Nations also reacted swiftly. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, through his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, called for restraint and urged all political actors to respect the rule of law as the situation develops.
Opposition figure Domingos Simões Pereira—barred from contesting the election—was reportedly arrested as well, further heightening tensions. Guinea-Bissau has a long history of instability, with four successful coups and multiple failed attempts since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. Regional and international actors are now urging decisive diplomatic action to restore constitutional order.
