The Nigerian government has condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as a serious threat to democracy and regional stability.
The federal government 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 Federal Government of Nigeria, in the strongest possible terms, 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,” the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, wrote.
“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.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and call for 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.”
Nigeria asked all actors to “exercise utmost restraint, prioritize peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau” in the just-conducted election in Guinea-Bissau.
“We warn that those behind 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 statement read.
It promised to “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”.
Election observers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) have also condemned the coup.
“We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains that have been achieved thus far,” the observers wrote in the statement on Wednesday.
“We request the African Union and the ECOWAS to take the necessary steps to restore constitutional order.”
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.
Later, General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, told members of the press that a command “composed of all branches of the armed forces, was taking over the leadership of the country until further notice”.
They arrested incumbent President Umaro Embalo, who had been favoured to win Sunday’s election.
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