The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has voiced serious concern over the political unrest in Guinea-Bissau, urging the military to restore democratic governance without delay.
In a statement released on Friday, Guterres condemned the military’s actions, describing them as a direct threat to citizens’ rights and the integrity of the recent national elections. “I am deeply concerned by the unfolding events in Guinea-Bissau,” he said.
Guterres strongly denounced the coup, declaring, “I strongly condemn the coup d’état perpetrated by elements of the military and any attempt to violate constitutional order. Any disregard of the will of the people who peacefully voted during the 23 November elections constitutes an unacceptable violation of democratic principles.”
He called for the swift return of civilian leadership and the release of detained government officials, urging “the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order.” Reaffirming the UN’s commitment, he added, “The United Nations fully supports efforts to safeguard democracy, promote stability, and assist Guinea-Bissau in concluding its electoral process and returning to its democratic path.”
Earlier reports by SaharaReporters highlighted that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making bodies following Wednesday’s military takeover. In a communique issued on Thursday, ECOWAS demanded the immediate restoration of constitutional rule and warned that sanctions could be imposed on the junta.
The decision followed an Extraordinary Virtual Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC), chaired by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, who also serves as Chairperson of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government. The high-level meeting, convened to address the escalating crisis, included regional presidents, foreign ministers, and representatives from the African Union and the United Nations.
Participants included Cabo Verde’s President José Maria Pereira Neves, Ghana’s President John Mahama, Liberia’s President Joseph N. Boakai, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, and Côte d’Ivoire’s Vice President Tiemoko Meyliet Koné.
Citing the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, the MSC announced Guinea-Bissau’s suspension pending the “full and effective restoration of constitutional order.” To facilitate negotiations, ECOWAS appointed President Julius Maada Bio to lead a High-Level Mediation Mission to Bissau, accompanied by Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé, Cabo Verde’s President José Maria Neves, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and the ECOWAS Commission President.
