The Federal Government has strongly criticised the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, calling it a major danger to democratic governance and stability in the region.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said it received news of the situation “with profound dismay and deep concern,” condemning the coup for resulting in “an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.”
According to the statement, the government “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 further stressed that the action “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 reaffirmed its support for Guinea-Bissau’s citizens, demanding 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 appealed to the authorities in the country to safeguard foreign observers still present.
“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 stated.
Urging calm, the FG asked everyone involved to maintain peace and follow democratic procedures.
It added, “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 behind the coup would be held responsible for their actions, 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 statement reiterated that Nigeria will collaborate with regional and global partners to restore order.
“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,” it added.
Meanwhile, election observers from AU and ECOWAS also denounced the military’s declaration of a coup, calling it a direct move to disrupt the democratic process.
Guinea-Bissau descended into crisis on Wednesday when military officers announced they had taken “total control’’ of the nation, closed its borders, and halted the electoral process just days after the general elections.
Reports indicated heavy shooting near the presidential palace, with soldiers blocking nearby roads.
General Denis N’Canha, who heads the presidential military office, said a command “composed of all branches of the armed forces was taking over the leadership of the country until further notice,” while standing with armed personnel.
The sitting president, Umaro Embalo—seen as a leading contender in the election—was reported to be inside a building behind military headquarters “with the chief of staff and the minister of the interior,” according to an AFP source.
“I have been deposed,” Embalo told France24 over the phone.
Both Embalo and opposition contender Fernando Dias had asserted victory ahead of the provisional results expected Thursday.
This latest coup adds to the country’s long history of political instability, with four successful coups and numerous attempts since independence. N’Canha alleged that the military discovered a scheme involving “national drug lords” and the movement of weapons “to alter the constitutional order.”
The armed forces also shut down media broadcasts, enforced a curfew, and suspended all electoral activities. The National Electoral Commission later reported an attack by unidentified gunmen.
More than 6,700 security personnel, including ECOWAS forces, had been mobilised for the elections amid longstanding political tensions.
The 2025 elections excluded the PAIGC party and its leader, Domingos Simoes Pereira, after the Supreme Court ruled their submissions were late—an outcome the opposition described as manipulation.
Embalo has been ruling by decree since dissolving the opposition-controlled parliament in 2023, and critics say his presidential tenure ended on February 27.
