Regional election remark missions from ECOWAS and the African Union (AU), together with the West African Elders Discussion board (WAEF), have strongly condemned Wednesday’s navy coup in Guinea-Bissau, calling it a severe setback to the nation’s democratic course of.
The condemnation was contained in a joint assertion issued on Wednesday night time.
The assertion was signed by former President of Mozambique and Head of the AU Election Remark Mission, Filipe Nyusi; former Nigerian President and Head of the West African Elders Discussion board, Goodluck Jonathan; and Head of the ECOWAS Election Remark Mission, Issifu Kamara.
The missions famous that their condemnation comes barely days after the peaceable presidential and legislative elections held on 23 November 2025, which that they had earlier praised for being orderly, clear, and nicely administered.
“We, the Heads of the African Union Election Remark Mission (AUEOM), the ECOWAS Election Remark Mission (EOM), and the West African Elders Discussion board be aware the orderly and peaceable conclusion of the voting course of for the presidential and legislative elections held on 23 November 2025 within the Republic of Guinea-Bissau,” the joint assertion stated.
“We commend the individuals of Guinea-Bissau for his or her robust civic engagement, in addition to the professionalism demonstrated by polling workers, safety personnel, presidential candidates’ and celebration brokers, all through the voting course of.”
The observers stated they have been alarmed that the navy introduced a coup whereas the nation awaited official election outcomes.
In keeping with the missions, the timing was particularly troubling, as that they had simply concluded conferences with the 2 main presidential candidates who, they stated, had pledged to simply accept the outcomes of the ballot.
“Regardless of these encouraging developments, we categorical deep concern with the announcement of a coup d’etat by the armed forces, whereas the nation was ready for the announcement of the outcomes,” the assertion stated.
The group added: “We remorse that the coup comes at a time when now we have simply concluded conferences with the 2 main presidential candidates, who assured us of their willingness to simply accept the individuals’s will.”
The missions additionally condemned the arrest of high authorities and electoral officers, describing it as an try to derail the democratic course of and overturn the progress made by the nation in recent times.
They urged ECOWAS and the AU to take “crucial steps” to make sure that the constitutional order is swiftly restored.
They additional demanded that the navy “instantly launch the detained officers to permit the nation’s electoral course of to proceed to its conclusion.”
Reaffirming their dedication to Guinea-Bissau’s democratic journey, the observers appealed for calm amongst residents.
“We name on the individuals of Guinea-Bissau to stay calm, and reaffirm our dedication to supporting the nation on its democratic path,” the missions stated.
“On this respect, we underscore the significance of preserving peace, stability, and the well-being of the Bissau-Guinean individuals throughout this delicate interval.”
The coup marks a dramatic escalation in Guinea-Bissau’s post-election tensions.
Earlier on Wednesday, navy officers declared that that they had “taken over whole management” of the federal government, simply days after a intently contested presidential and legislative election.
The navy has suspended the electoral course of, plunging the nation into deep political uncertainty and drawing widespread worldwide concern.
