UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over recent events, according to a statement from his spokesperson. The Secretary-General strongly condemned the coup d’état by military elements and any attempts to disrupt the constitutional order. He emphasized that disregarding the peaceful voting outcome from the November 23 general elections is an unacceptable breach of democratic principles.
The Secretary-General urged the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order and called for the release of detained officials, including electoral authorities, opposition leaders, and other political figures. He appealed to all parties to maintain restraint, uphold the rule of law, and settle disputes through peaceful and inclusive dialogue and legal means.
Media reports indicated that soldiers overthrew civilian leaders in a swift move before the official election results were announced, installing Maj. Gen. Horta Inta-a as transitional president. Deposed president Umaro Sissoco Embaló reportedly arrived in Senegal. This coup is the latest in a series of military takeovers in West and Central Africa, highlighting regional instability.
The Secretary-General reiterated the United Nations’ full support for efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, and the West African Elders Forum to protect democracy, promote stability, and assist Guinea-Bissau in concluding the electoral process and returning to a democratic path swiftly.
The African Union also issued a strong condemnation, with Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasizing the AU’s zero tolerance for unconstitutional government changes. He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of detained officials and stressed that only the National Electoral Commission had the authority to announce election results.
ECOWAS condemned the military takeover and suspended Guinea-Bissau from all decision-making bodies after an emergency summit of regional leaders.
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