ECOWAS and AU Condemn Guinea‑Bissau Coup

Regional election observation missions from ECOWAS, the African Union (AU), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) have strongly condemned the military coup in Guinea‑Bissau, describing it as a major setback to the country’s democratic process.

In a joint statement issued Wednesday night, the missions expressed alarm at the coup, which came just days after peaceful presidential and legislative elections held on November 23, 2025. The statement was signed by Filipe Nyusi, former President of Mozambique and Head of the AU Election Observation Mission; Goodluck Jonathan, former Nigerian President and Head of the West African Elders Forum; and Issifu Kamara, Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission.

The observers praised the elections for being orderly, transparent, and well administered, commending the civic engagement of Guinea‑Bissau’s citizens and the professionalism of polling staff, security personnel, and party agents. They noted that both leading presidential candidates had pledged to accept the results, making the timing of the coup particularly troubling.

The missions condemned the arrest of senior government and electoral officials, describing it as an attempt to derail democratic progress. They urged ECOWAS and the AU to take immediate steps to restore constitutional order and demanded the release of detained officials so the electoral process can continue.

Reaffirming their commitment to Guinea‑Bissau’s democratic journey, the observers appealed for calm among citizens and emphasized the importance of preserving peace, stability, and the well‑being of the population during this sensitive period.

The coup represents a dramatic escalation in Guinea‑Bissau’s post‑election tensions, raising concerns about the future of democratic governance in the country.