Nigeria Condemns Guinea-Bissau Military Coup

The Federal Government has strongly condemned the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as a serious threat to democracy and regional stability.

In a statement on Thursday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the government received news of the development “with profound dismay and deep concern,” noting that it constitutes “an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.”

The statement emphasised that Nigeria “condemns this act of military insurrection, which undermines democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability in Guinea-Bissau and across West Africa.” It also highlighted that the coup “violates the fundamental principles of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which rejects the assumption of power by unconstitutional means.”

Nigeria expressed solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau, calling for “the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the safety of all detained individuals, and full respect for democratic institutions.” The government also urged Guinea-Bissau authorities to ensure the protection of foreign election observers remaining in the country.

“The Nigerian Government calls on the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to guarantee the safety of all election observers still on official assignment,” the statement read. It further appealed for restraint, peaceful dialogue, and respect for the will of the people as expressed through the ballot.

Warning that the perpetrators would face consequences, Nigeria stated: “Those responsible for this act will be held accountable for threatening to plunge the nation into chaos and reverse the hard-won gains of its democracy.”

The government reaffirmed its commitment to working with regional and international partners to restore stability. “As a key member of ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria will collaborate with partners to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau. We remain committed to promoting democracy, peace, and stability across Africa,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, election observers from the African Union and ECOWAS also condemned the military announcement of a coup, describing it as an attempt to derail the democratic process.

The crisis erupted on Wednesday when military officers declared “total control” of Guinea-Bissau, closed borders, and suspended elections just three days after general elections were held. Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace, and armed personnel blocked access roads.

General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, announced that a command “composed of all branches of the armed forces was taking over the leadership of the country until further notice,” with soldiers stationed nearby. Incumbent President Umaro Embalo, a frontrunner in the elections, was reported to be inside a building behind military headquarters with key officials. Embalo confirmed over the phone to France24 that he had been deposed.

Both Embalo and opposition candidate Fernando Dias had claimed victory, with provisional results expected Thursday. The military cited alleged plots involving “national drug lords” and weapons to alter the constitutional order.

The armed forces also suspended media broadcasts, imposed a curfew, and halted all electoral activities. The National Electoral Commission reported being attacked by unidentified gunmen.

Over 6,700 security personnel, including members of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Force, had been deployed for the elections, which followed years of political tension. The 2025 polls excluded the PAIGC party and its leader, Domingos Simoes Pereira, over late submissions, a move criticised by the opposition.

Critics note that President Embalo has governed by decree since dissolving the opposition-led legislature in 2023, and some argue that his term officially ended on February 27.