Regional observers warn of a “blatant attack” on democracy after soldiers seize control, suspend vote counting, and shut the nation’s borders
Regional election observers from the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum have jointly condemned the sudden military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as a deliberate attempt to derail the country’s fragile democratic process.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, the heads of the three observer missions, Filipe Nyusi for the AU, Issifu Kamara for ECOWAS, and former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan for the Elders Forum, expressed shock and deep concern over the abrupt suspension of presidential and legislative election results. They called on both the AU and ECOWAS to take immediate steps to restore constitutional order.
Their statement noted that the missions had only just concluded meetings with the two leading presidential candidates, incumbent president Umaro Embaló and opposition contender Fernando Dias, both of whom reportedly pledged to respect the people’s decision at the polls. The observers said the military’s announcement, therefore, came as an unwelcome disruption at a critical moment.
Guinea-Bissau had voted on Saturday, with both front-runners prematurely declaring victory as the nation awaited official results. That anticipation was cut short when, early on Wednesday, heavy gunfire was heard near the presidential palace. Soldiers in uniform then seized strategic roads leading to the building, heightening public anxiety.
By the afternoon, General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, appeared before journalists to announce that a joint military command, comprising all branches of the armed forces, had taken control of the government “until further notice.” Surrounded by armed personnel, he claimed the army had uncovered a plot involving local drug traffickers who allegedly intended to smuggle weapons into the country to undermine constitutional order.
Along with suspending the entire electoral process, the military leadership ordered all media programming halted, closed the nation’s borders, and imposed a mandatory curfew. Reports soon followed that several senior officials, including electoral commission members, had been detained.
The AU and ECOWAS missions expressed particular worry over these arrests. They urged the armed forces to immediately release the detained officials so that the electoral process could resume and reach its lawful conclusion. They also appealed to the population to remain calm during what they described as a “highly sensitive period” for the country.
Guinea-Bissau, a nation long troubled by political instability, has a history marked by four successful coups and several failed attempts since gaining independence. Observers fear the latest development could further threaten regional stability if swift diplomatic intervention is not undertaken.
Despite the unfolding tension, the missions reiterated their commitment to supporting Guinea-Bissau’s democratic institutions and safeguarding the peace and well-being of its citizens as efforts continue to resolve the crisis.
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