The Federal Government has reacted to the 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, Nigeria said it received news of the development “with profound dismay and deep concern,” criticising the coup for causing “an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.”
The statement added, “The Federal Government condemns this 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.
“It represents 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 expressed solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau, calling for the “immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the safety and security of all those detained, and full respect for the sanctity of democratic institutions in Guinea-Bissau.” The statement also urged the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to protect 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,” it added.
Calling for restraint, Nigeria appealed to all parties to remain peaceful and respect the country’s democratic processes.
“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,” the statement said.
The government warned that those responsible for the coup would face consequences.
“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,” it stated.
Nigeria 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 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,” the statement concluded.
The coup was condemned by election observers from the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS on Wednesday, who described it as a direct attempt to derail Guinea-Bissau’s democratic process.
Guinea-Bissau was thrown into turmoil on Wednesday as military officers declared “total control” of the country, shut its borders, and suspended the electoral process just three days after the general elections. Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace, with armed men blocking 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,” speaking while flanked by soldiers.