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.
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