Nigeria has condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, warning that the development poses a grave threat to democratic governance and regional stability.
In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government learnt of the military takeover “with profound dismay,” describing it as an unconstitutional change of government.
The statement, signed by ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, criticised the coup as an act that undermines democratic progress in the West African sub-region.
The Federal Government said the action violates the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which rejects seizure of power by unconstitutional means.
It called for the “immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order” and demanded the safety of all officials detained by the military.
Nigeria also urged the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to guarantee the protection of foreign election observers still in the country.
Calling for restraint, Abuja appealed to all parties to respect democratic processes and allow the electoral management body to conclude its work.
It warned that those behind the coup would be held accountable for actions capable of plunging the country into further instability.
The government restated its intention to work with ECOWAS, the African Union and other partners to ensure a swift return to civilian rule.
RoundReports understood that the condemnation came as ECOWAS and African Union observers also criticised the military announcement of a takeover on Wednesday, describing it as a deliberate attempt to derail the electoral process.
Guinea-Bissau descended into turbulence after military officers declared “total control” of the country, shut its borders and suspended the election three days after voting.
Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace, with access routes blocked by armed personnel.
General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, announced that a joint command of the armed forces had taken charge “until further notice.”
Incumbent president Umaro Embalo was said to be inside a building near the military headquarters.
Both Embalo and opposition candidate Fernando Dias had claimed victory ahead of the provisional results due Thursday.
The coup adds to decades of political volatility in the country, which has witnessed multiple successful takeovers.
N’Canha alleged that the military uncovered a plot involving drug networks and illicit weapons aimed at altering the constitutional order.
Following the announcement, the armed forces imposed a curfew, suspended media broadcasts and halted all electoral activities.
Thereafter, The National Electoral Commission reported an attack by unidentified gunmen.
More than 6,700 security personnel, including members of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Force, had been deployed for the polls, which took place amid long-standing political tensions.
The election excluded the PAIGC party and its leader, Domingos Simoes Pereira, after the Supreme Court ruled their submissions were late, a decision the opposition described as manipulation.
Embalo has ruled by decree since dissolving parliament in 2023, and his critics say his mandate expired in February.
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