Nigeria has strongly denounced the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, warning that the coup poses a grave danger to democracy and regional peace.
In a statement on Thursday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the federal government received news of the crisis “with profound dismay and deep concern,” stressing that the development represents “an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.”
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, in the strongest possible terms, condemns this act of military insurrection which undermines democratic progress, constitutional order, and the stability of not just Guinea-Bissau but the entire West African region,” Ebienfa said.
He added that the coup violates key provisions of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which prohibits any seizure of power through non-constitutional means.
Nigeria expressed full solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and demanded the immediate restoration of constitutional order, the protection of detainees, and respect for democratic institutions.
The statement urged all parties involved to remain calm, embrace dialogue, and respect the outcome of Guinea-Bissau’s recent elections.
Nigeria further warned that those responsible for the takeover would be held accountable for actions that could “plunge the nation into chaos and reverse years of democratic progress.”
The Nigerian government also pledged to coordinate with ECOWAS, the African Union, and other international partners to ensure a swift return to normal governance in Guinea-Bissau.
Both ECOWAS and AU election observers issued their own condemnations, describing the coup as a deliberate attempt to derail the electoral process. “We call on the African Union and ECOWAS to take immediate steps to restore constitutional rule,” their statement read.
The country was thrown into crisis on Wednesday when military officers announced that they had assumed “total control,” closed national borders, and suspended the electoral process—just three days after the general elections.
Gunfire was reported around the presidential palace earlier in the day, with access roads blocked by armed personnel.
General Denis N’Canha, who heads the presidential military office, later told journalists that a joint command from all branches of the armed forces had taken over leadership “until further notice.”
Incumbent President Umaro Embalo—widely seen as the favourite in Sunday’s polls—was subsequently
