The African Union has officially suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making bodies after a military coup disrupted the political process in the West African nation this week. The announcement was made by the African Union Commission Chairman, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, during a press briefing on Friday.
Youssouf stated that the AU has decided “to suspend Guinea-Bissau from its bodies with immediate effect,” underscoring the organization’s stance against unconstitutional changes of government.
Okay News reports that the suspension follows the halt in announcing presidential and legislative election results in Guinea-Bissau, which prompted concern from regional observers. The election observation missions of the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, and the West African Elders Forum issued a joint statement condemning what they described as “a blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process” in the country.
The joint statement was signed by Filipe Nyusi, Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission; Issifu Kamara, Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission; and Goodluck Jonathan, Head of the West African Elders Forum. The observers urged the African Union and ECOWAS to take immediate measures to restore constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau.
Additionally, the Economic Community of West African States announced the suspension of Guinea-Bissau from all ECOWAS decision-making activities until the full restoration of democratic governance.
The African Union’s decisive action comes amid increasing international concern about political instability in West Africa and its potential impact on regional security and governance.
