Nigeria has issued a strong condemnation of the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, warning that the action poses a grave danger to democratic stability across West Africa.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said it received news of the coup “with profound dismay and deep concern,” noting that the development amounted to “an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.”
The statement stressed that the Federal 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.”
Nigeria described the military intervention as a direct breach of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which clearly rejects any seizure of power outside constitutional processes. It added that the coup “represents a blatant violation of the fundamental principles” underpinning the regional commitment to democracy.
Reaffirming solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau, the government called 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.”
It also appealed to the authorities involved in the crisis to guarantee the protection of all foreign observers still present in the country, saying, “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.”
The statement urged all actors to avoid further escalation, stressing the need for calm and dialogue. “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 military takeover would be held responsible for their actions. The statement read, “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 further pledged to work with ECOWAS, the African Union and international partners to restore normalcy. “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.”
The crisis in the country deepened on Wednesday when military officers declared that they had taken “total control,” announcing the suspension of the electoral process only three days after general elections. Borders were shut, curfews imposed, and media programming taken off the air as soldiers tightened their grip on key installations.
Gunfire was reported near the presidential palace earlier in the day. General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, announced that a joint command of security forces was assuming authority “until further notice.” Standing beside armed troops, he alleged that the military had uncovered a plot involving “national drug lords” and illicit arms intended to “alter the constitutional order.”
The whereabouts of President Umaro Embalo became the subject of intense speculation. A senior officer, quoted by international media, said he was inside a building behind the military headquarters alongside top officials. Embalo later confirmed to France24, “I have been deposed.”
Both Embalo and opposition candidate Fernando Dias had earlier declared themselves winners, even as provisional results were expected on Thursday. The poll itself had been mired in controversy after the exclusion of long-standing opposition party PAIGC and its leader, Domingos Simoes Pereira, following a court ruling on late submissions.
Wednesday’s takeover adds to a long history of instability in Guinea-Bissau, a country that has experienced multiple coups and attempted coups since independence. More than 6,700 security personnel, including members of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Force, had been deployed to secure the polls in a tense political climate.
Election observers from the African Union and ECOWAS also decried the military action, describing it as a direct attempt to derail a democratic process that had already entered its concluding stages.
Guinea-Bissau has been under heightened political strain since Embalo dissolved the opposition-dominated parliament in 2023 and began ruling by decree. Critics argue that his presidential mandate expired on February 27, a point the opposition has repeatedly raised.
As the situation unfolds, Nigeria says it remains committed to supporting efforts that will safeguard democratic institutions in the region.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the promotion of democracy, peace, and stability across the African continent,” the government declared.
