Nigeria TV Info 

ECOWAS, AU condemn military takeover in Guinea-Bissau

ECOWAS and African Union (AU) have strongly condemned the recent military takeover in Guinea-Bissau — denouncing the coup as a direct attack on democratic governance and calling for an immediate return to constitutional order.

 What Happened

• On November 26, 2025, a group of army officers — self-styled as the High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order — announced they had seized power, deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, suspended the electoral process, closed borders, imposed a curfew, and ordered a media blackout.
• The takeover came just days after presidential and legislative elections were held on November 23 — a vote that international observers described as peaceful and orderly.
• Gunfire was reported near the presidential palace and the headquarters of the electoral commission. Several senior government and election officials were reportedly arrested, raising concern that the coup may derail the certification and transparency of election results.

ECOWAS & AU Reaction

• ECOWAS and AU observer missions condemned the takeover as a “blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process.”
• In a joint statement, former heads of states leading the observer missions — including Goodluck Jonathan (Nigeria) and Filipe Jacinto Nyusi (Mozambique) — urged swift action to restore constitutional order and called for the immediate release of detained electoral officials so the vote counting could proceed.
• They also appealed to Bissau-Guinean citizens to remain calm and avoid violence, highlighting the risk that the coup could undermine democratic gains and fuel instability.

Why It Matters

• The coup comes at a time when Guinea-Bissau was poised to announce official election results that could define the country’s political path — the takeover disrupts that process and casts doubt on the credibility and fairness of the poll.
• The takeover adds Guinea-Bissau to a growing list of West African states — many members of ECOWAS — experiencing military interventions, raising serious concerns about democratic backsliding and regional stability.

 Regional Implications

• ECOWAS and AU condemnation signals potential diplomatic pressure and calls for regional mediation to restore civilian rule.
• The situation may worsen tensions across West Africa, discourage future democratic elections, and embolden military actors.