Nigeria vows to work with ECOWAS, AU to restore democracy in Guinea-Bissau amid military coup

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

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government expressed “profound dismay and deep concern” over the unconstitutional takeover.

It condemned the military action, saying it undermines not only Guinea-Bissau’s democratic progress but also the stability of the entire West African sub-region.

The statement emphasized that the coup violates the principles of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which explicitly rejects any seizure of power through unconstitutional means.

Nigeria expressed solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and called for the “immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order,” the safety of detained officials, and full respect for democratic institutions.

Nigeria also urged authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure the protection of foreign election observers still 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,” the statement read.

The government appealed for restraint and peaceful dialogue, insisting that all actors defer to the country’s democratic processes.

Nigeria warned that those responsible for the coup would face consequences, adding that it would work with regional and international partners to restore stability.

The coup came just three days after Guinea-Bissau’s legislative and presidential elections. Military officers declared “total control” of the country, shut its borders, suspended the electoral process, and imposed a curfew.

Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace, and armed men 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 had taken over leadership “until further notice.”

Incumbent President Umaro Embalo, seeking re-election, was reportedly inside a building behind military headquarters with his chief of staff and the interior minister.

Both Embalo and opposition candidate Fernando Dias had already claimed victory, although official provisional results were yet to be released.

The 2025 elections notably excluded the PAIGC party and its leader, Domingos Simoes Pereira, following a Supreme Court ruling that their submissions were late, a move the opposition described as manipulative.

Guinea-Bissau has experienced multiple coups since independence, and Embalo has ruled by decree since dissolving the opposition-dominated legislature in 2023.

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