The Federal Government has condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as a serious threat to democracy and regional stability.
The FG, in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Thursday, said it learnt of the development “with profound dismay and deep concern,” faulting the coup for leading to “an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.”
The government said it “condemns this act of military insurrection which undermines the democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability not only of Guinea-Bissau but of the entire West African sub-region.”
It added that the coup “represents a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the Economic Community of West African States Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which explicitly rejects any ascension to power through unconstitutional means.”
Nigeria expressed solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau, insisting on the “immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the safety and security of all those detained and the full respect for the sanctity of democratic institutions in Guinea-Bissau.”
The statement also urged the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure the protection of foreign observers still in the country.
“The Nigerian Government wishes to unequivocally call on the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure and guarantee the safety of all election observers still in the country on official assignment,” it added.
Calling for restraint, the government appealed to all parties involved to remain peaceful and defer to the country’s democratic processes.
It noted, “The Federal Government of Nigeria urges all actors involved to exercise utmost restraint, prioritise peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau as expressed through their ballots and the peaceful conclusion of the election with the announcement of results by the electoral management body.”
Nigeria warned that those responsible for the coup would face consequences, saying, “We warn that the perpetrators of this act will be held accountable for their actions, which threaten to plunge the nation into chaos and reverse the hard-won gains of its democracy.”
The government reaffirmed its commitment to working with regional and international partners to restore stability.
“Nigeria, as a key member of the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union, will work closely with our regional and international partners to take all necessary measures to ensure the swift return to normalcy and constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the promotion of democracy, peace, and stability across the African continent,” the statement added.
Also, the election observers from AU and ECOWAS on Wednesday condemned the military’s announcement of a coup d’état, describing it as a direct attempt to derail the country’s democratic process.
Guinea-Bissau was thrown into turmoil on Wednesday as military officers declared “total control’’ of the country, shutting its borders and suspending the electoral process just three days after the general elections.
Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace earlier in the day, with armed men blocking access roads.
General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, announced that a command “composed of all branches of the armed forces was taking over the leadership of the country until further notice,” speaking while flanked by soldiers.
Incumbent president Umaro Embalo, considered a frontrunner in the polls, was said to be inside a building behind military headquarters “with the chief of staff and the minister of the interior,” according to a senior officer quoted by AFP.
“I have been deposed,” Embalo told French broadcaster France24 in a phone call.
Embalo and opposition candidate Fernando Dias had both already claimed victory, with provisional results due Thursday.
The coup marks the latest in a string of upheavals in the coup-prone West African nation, which has experienced four successful coups and several attempts since independence. N’Canha claimed the military had uncovered a plot involving “national drug lords” and the importation of weapons “to alter the constitutional order.”
The armed forces also suspended media programming, imposed a curfew and halted all electoral activities. The National Electoral Commission later reported being attacked by unidentified armed men.
More than 6,700 security personnel, including ECOWAS Stabilisation Force members, had been deployed for the elections, which followed years of political tension.
The 2025 polls excluded the PAIGC party and its leader, Domingos Simoes Pereira, after the Supreme Court ruled their submissions were late, a decision the opposition said amounted to manipulation.
Embalo has ruled by decree since dissolving the opposition-dominated legislature in 2023, and critics insist his presidential term expired on February 27.
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