Umaro Embalo, Guinea-Bissau president
Nigeria has criticised the recent coup in Guinea-Bissau, calling it a troubling step back for regional democracy and stability.
On Wednesday, military officers in the Portuguese-speaking West African nation announced a takeover, suspended the country’s electoral process, and declared they would be in control “until further notice”.
The coup came just days after the presidential election.
President Umaro Embaló, who is seeking re-election, and Fernando Dias, his main opponent, both declared victory even though the electoral commission had not released official results.
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In a statement on Thursday, Nigeria’s ministry of foreign affairs said it was deeply concerned about the coup.
“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,” Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry spokesperson, said.
“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.
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“The Nigerian Government wish 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.
“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.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan is among African leaders currently trapped in Guinea-Bissau following the coup.
Jonathan was one of the 36 high-profile observers on the joint mission of the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) to monitor the presidential election.
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Nigeria said it would work closely with partners to take all necessary measures to ensure the “swift return” to normalcy and constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau.
