Nigeria has issued a strong condemnation of the unfolding military coup in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, warning that the development poses a direct threat to democratic governance and regional peace across West Africa.
In a formal statement released in Abuja by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria expressed what it described as “profound dismay and deep concern” over the sudden military takeover, which it said had resulted in “an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.”
Okay News reports.
The Nigerian Government, in detailing its position on the crisis, criticised what it referred to as “an 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 authorities insisted that the coup amounted to “a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which explicitly rejects any ascension to power through unconstitutional means.”
Nigeria Reaffirms Solidarity With Guinea-Bissau Citizens
Nigeria emphasised its support for the people of Guinea-Bissau, calling for “the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the safety and security of all those detained and the full respect for the sanctity of democratic institutions in Guinea-Bissau.”
The Federal Government also urged that the safety of foreign observers still inside the country be guaranteed. “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,” the statement read.
In its appeal for calm, Nigeria urged all actors in the crisis to embrace restraint, dialogue and respect for the electoral process. “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.”
Nigeria Warns Coup Plotters Of Consequences
The statement delivered a stern warning to the military commanders who orchestrated the coup, noting that those responsible would be held accountable for actions capable of plunging the nation into further instability. “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 stated.
Nigeria further reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with international and regional partners in pursuing a peaceful resolution. “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. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the promotion of democracy, peace, and stability across the African continent.”
AU And ECOWAS Observers Condemn Coup
Foreign observers accredited by the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had earlier condemned the military’s announcement, calling it a direct attempt to derail Guinea-Bissau’s democratic process.
Guinea-Bissau, a country with a long history of political turmoil, was destabilised on Wednesday when military officers declared “total control” of the state, sealed national borders and suspended the electoral process – actions that came only three days after the general elections.
Reports indicated that heavy gunfire erupted near the presidential palace while armed troops blocked access roads.
General Denis N’Canha, who heads the presidential military office, stated that a joint command “composed of all branches of the armed forces was taking over the leadership of the country until further notice,” as he addressed the nation flanked by heavily armed soldiers.
Embalo Claims He Has Been Removed
Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the incumbent president considered a frontrunner in the disputed polls, was reportedly inside a military facility with senior government officials when the coup was declared.
“I have been deposed,” Embalo told France24 in a telephone call.
Both Embalo and opposition candidate Fernando Dias had claimed victory ahead of the final results, which were expected on Thursday.
The coup adds to decades of political instability in Guinea-Bissau, a country that has witnessed multiple coups since gaining independence. General N’Canha alleged that the military acted after uncovering a plot involving “national drug lords” and the importation of weapons intended “to alter the constitutional order.”
Following the takeover, the armed forces suspended media broadcasts, declared a curfew, halted electoral activities and reportedly attacked the National Electoral Commission.
More than six thousand seven hundred security personnel, including the ECOWAS Stabilisation Force, had been deployed for the elections after years of political friction. The 2025 polls proceeded without the PAIGC party and its leader, Domingos Simoes Pereira, who were excluded after the Supreme Court ruled their submissions were late – a decision heavily contested by the opposition.
President Embalo, who has ruled largely by decree since dissolving the opposition-heavy legislature in 2023, has faced accusations from critics who claim that his presidential tenure ended on February 27.
