The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly denounced the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, describing the development as a grave assault on democratic governance and a destabilising threat to the West African region.
In a statement issued on Thursday, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the government received news of the coup “with profound dismay and deep concern,” stressing that the action had resulted in “an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.”
Nigeria condemned what it called “an act of military insurrection,” warning that it undermines democratic progress, constitutional order, and the stability of not just Guinea-Bissau but the entire sub-region.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria condemns this act of military insurrection which undermines the democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability not only of Guinea-Bissau but of the entire West African sub-region,” the statement read.
The government noted that the coup represents “a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the Economic Community of West African States Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which explicitly rejects any ascension to power through unconstitutional means.”
Reaffirming its solidarity with the citizens of Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria called for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the protection of detained officials, and respect for democratic institutions.
It also urged the coup leaders to guarantee the safety of foreign observers still present in the country.
“The Nigerian Government wishes to unequivocally call on the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure and guarantee the safety of all election observers still in the country on official assignment,” Ebienfa added.
Nigeria appealed for calm, urging all parties to prioritise peaceful dialogue and respect the outcome of the recent elections.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria urges all actors involved to exercise utmost restraint, prioritise peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau as expressed through their ballots and the peaceful conclusion of the election with the announcement of results by the electoral management body.”
Warning of consequences for those responsible, Nigeria said, “We warn that the perpetrators of this act will be held accountable for their actions, which threaten to plunge the nation into chaos and reverse the hard-won gains of its democracy.”
The government further pledged to work closely with ECOWAS, the African Union, and other international partners to restore normalcy.
“Nigeria, as a key member of the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union, will work closely with our regional and international partners to take all necessary measures to ensure the swift return to normalcy and constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau.”
Meanwhile, election observers from the African Union and ECOWAS have also condemned the military takeover, warning that it amounts to a deliberate attempt to derail the country’s democratic process.
Guinea-Bissau was thrown into political turmoil on Wednesday after military officers declared “total control’’ of the nation, sealed its borders, and suspended the electoral process just three days after general elections. Heavy gunfire1 was reported near the presidential palace earlier in the day, with armed personnel blocking access roads.
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