The African Union Election Observation Mission, ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, and the West African Elders Forum have issued a joint statement denouncing the coup in Guinea Bissau and calling on the armed forces to release officials detained and allow the country’s electoral process to unfold.
According to a release, the Heads of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM), and the West African Elders Forum note the orderly and peaceful conclusion of the voting process for the presidential and legislative elections held on 23 November 2025 in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
The august body commended the people of Guinea-Bissau for their strong civic engagement, as well as the professionalism demonstrated by polling staff, security personnel, presidential candidates’ and party agents, throughout the voting process.
Despite these encouraging developments, the organization has expressed deep concern with the announcement of a coup d’etat by the armed forces, while the nation was waiting for the announcement of the results.
The African voices described the situation as “regrettable” saying the announcement came at a time when the missions had just concluded meeting with the two leading presidential candidates, who assured willingness to accept the will of the people.
“We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains that have been achieved thus far. We request the African Union and the ECOWAS to take the necessary steps to restore constitutional order.” The release quoted.
The African body is therefore urging the armed forces to immediately release the detained officials to allow the country’s electoral process to proceed to its conclusion.
Signed by three distinct individuals, H.E. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission and Former President of the Hepublic of Mozambique, H.E. Assifu Baba Brafmah Kamara, Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, Head of the West African Elders Forum and Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, called on the people of Guinea Bissau to remain calm, and reaffirm their institution’s commitment to supporting the country on its democratic path, and in this respect.
Meanwhile, the African leaders have underscored the importance of preserving peace, stability, and the well-being of the Bissau-Guinean people during this sensitive period.
On Wednesday afternoon, a group of military officers in Guinea-Bissau claimed total control of the country, a day after two leading candidates in a tightly contested presidential election each declared victory.
Calling themselves the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order”, the officers read out a statement on television on Wednesday, declaring that they had ordered the immediate suspension of the electoral process until further notice as they also ordered the closure of all land, air and sea borders and an overnight curfew.
