Federal Govt Condemns Guinea-Bissau Coup, Demands Immediate Restoration Of Constitutional Order

Abuja, Nigeria– The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed strong outrage over the military coup in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, describing it as a grave assault on democracy and a destabilising reat to the West African region.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria said it received news of the military takeover with “profound dismay and deep concern,” insisting that the action represents an outright violation of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which prohibits any unconstitutional change of government.

Nigeria condemned the coup “in the strongest possible terms,” warning that the insurrection undermines not only Guinea-Bissau’s democratic progress but also the stability of the entire sub-region.

The statement read, “This coup d’état represents a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which explicitly rejects any ascension to power through unconstitutional means.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and call 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 of Nigeria unequivocally calls on the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure and guarantee the safety of all election observers still in the country on official assignment.

Ebienfa said, “The Federal Government of Nigeria urges all actors involved to exercise utmost restraint, prioritize 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.

“We warn that those behind 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.

“Nigeria, as a key member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) 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.”