Election observers from ECOWAS and the African Union have condemned the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau and demanded the immediate release of detained government officials.
In a joint statement, the observers said the takeover occurred just as the country awaited official results from Sunday’s legislative and presidential elections, which they described as peaceful and orderly.
The statement was signed by former Nigerian president and head of the West African Elders Forum, Goodluck Jonathan; former Mozambican president and head of the AU Election Observation Mission, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi; and head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara.
They urged regional bodies to act swiftly to restore constitutional order and appealed for calm among citizens.
“We deplore this attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains achieved thus far. We request the African Union and ECOWAS to take the necessary steps to restore constitutional order,” the said.
The observers urged citizens to remain calm and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the country “on its democratic path,” stressing the need to safeguard peace and stability during what they called a sensitive moment.
Guinea-Bissau’s military leaders on Wednesday declared they were assuming “total control” of the state, suspending the electoral process and closing the country’s borders, three days after polling in the impoverished West African nation.
General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, told journalists that a command drawn from all branches of the armed forces had taken charge “until further notice.”
N'Canha delivered the announcement while flanked by armed soldiers.
Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, considered the frontrunner in the election, was detained during the takeover.
Embalo later said he was arrested inside the presidential palace.
Meanwhile, senior officers disclosed he had been held alongside the chief of staff, General Biague Na Ntan; the deputy chief of staff, General Mamadou Traore; and the interior minister, Botche Cande.
AFP
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