Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as a grave threat to democracy and regional stability in West Africa.
In a statement on Thursday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, through the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the government received news of the development with profound dismay and deep concern.
Nigeria faulted the action of the military, noting that it constitutes an unconstitutional change of government and undermines democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability in Guinea-Bissau and the wider West African sub-region.
The Federal Government stated that it condemns the act of military insurrection, which threatens the democratic foundations not only of Guinea-Bissau but of the entire region.
The government stressed that the development violates the principles of the Economic Community of West African States Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which clearly rejects any seizure of power through unconstitutional means.
Nigeria also expressed solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau, calling for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the safety and security of all detained persons, and full respect for democratic institutions.
It further urged the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure and guarantee the safety of all foreign election observers still in the country on official assignment.
Calling for calm, the Federal Government appealed to all parties involved to exercise restraint, prioritise peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people as expressed through the ballot and the orderly conclusion of the electoral process.
Nigeria warned that those responsible for the coup would be held accountable for actions capable of plunging the country into chaos and reversing its democratic gains.
The government reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work with regional and international partners, including the African Union, to ensure the swift restoration of constitutional governance and stability in Guinea-Bissau.
Guinea-Bissau was thrown into turmoil on Wednesday after military officers declared total control of the country, shut its borders, imposed a curfew, suspended media programming, and halted electoral activities just days after the general elections.
Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace, while armed soldiers blocked access roads across the capital.
The head of the presidential military office, Denis N’Canha, announced that a military command composed of all branches of the armed forces had assumed leadership of the country until further notice.
Incumbent President Umaro Embalo later confirmed that he had been removed from office during a phone interview with the international broadcaster France24.
Both Embalo and opposition candidate Fernando Dias had earlier claimed victory, with provisional election results expected on Thursday.
The development marks the latest episode in Guinea-Bissau’s long history of political instability, with the country having experienced multiple successful coups and several attempted takeovers since gaining independence.
