The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the military coup that toppled the democratically elected government of Guinea-Bissau, describing it as a serious threat to regional stability and democratic governance in West Africa.
Military officers in Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday announced that they had assumed “total control” of the state, suspended the electoral process and shut all borders.
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and several senior government and military officials were also detained.
Nigeria, in a statement issued Thursday by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, expressed “profound dismay and deep concern” over the development.
It warned that the unconstitutional change of government represents a dangerous erosion of democratic norms within the ECOWAS region.
“This coup d’état represents a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which explicitly rejects any ascension to power through unconstitutional means,” the statement said.
It added that the actions of the junta undermine constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and pose broader risks to peace and security across the sub-region.
Nigeria reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and demanded the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional government.
It called for the protection of all detained officials and urged respect for democratic institutions.
The Federal Government also appealed to the coup leaders to ensure the safety of all election observers currently deployed in the country.
Calling for calm, Nigeria urged all parties to embrace peaceful dialogue and respect the will of the people as expressed in the recently concluded elections.
“All actors involved must exercise utmost restraint, prioritize dialogue and respect the choice of the people of Guinea-Bissau,” the statement said.
The government warned that those responsible for the coup would be held accountable for actions capable of plunging the country into instability and reversing democratic gains.
As a key member of ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria pledged to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure the swift reinstatement of constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the promotion of democracy, peace and stability across the African continent,” it added
