Nigerian Govt Condemns Military Coup in Guinea-Bissau, Demands Immediate Restoration of Democracy

By Emmanuel Kwada 

‎The Nigerian Government has strongly condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, describing the seizure of power by soldiers as “an unacceptable assault on democracy” and calling for the immediate release of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and the restoration of constitutional order.

‎In a statement issued Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria expressed “deep concern” over the overnight takeover in Bissau, where armed soldiers stormed the presidential palace, arrested President Embalo and senior officials, dissolved parliament, suspended the constitution, and imposed a nationwide curfew.

‎“The Federal Republic of Nigeria utterly rejects this unconstitutional change of government in Guinea-Bissau,” the statement read. “We demand the immediate and unconditional release of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and all detained officials, as well as the full restoration of constitutional legitimacy.”

‎The coup, announced on state television in the early hours of November 27, followed days of tension after the controversial presidential election held on November 23.

‎President Embalo was seeking re-election, but the poll was marred by the Supreme Court’s decision to bar the main opposition African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) and its candidate, Domingos Simões Pereira, from contesting — a ruling that sparked widespread protests and accusations of electoral manipulation.

‎Military leaders justified the intervention as necessary to “protect the nation from electoral fraud and institutional collapse,” though they provided no evidence during their broadcast.

‎Reacting to the development, Nigeria warned that any attempt to subvert the will of the people through the barrel of the gun would not be tolerated in West Africa.

‎“Nigeria stands in full solidarity with the brotherly people of Guinea-Bissau in this trying moment,” the statement continued. “We urge the perpetrators of this illegal act to desist immediately and hand power back to civilian authorities.”

‎The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where Nigeria plays a leading role, is expected to hold an emergency summit in the coming hours to deliberate on the crisis. Sources within the regional bloc indicate that sanctions, suspension from ECOWAS bodies, and possible diplomatic isolation are on the table.

‎The African Union and the United Nations have also condemned the coup, with the UN Secretary-General calling for “maximum restraint” and an immediate return to democratic rule.

‎Guinea-Bissau, one of the world’s poorest nations and a known transit hub for drug trafficking, has suffered more than ten successful or attempted coups since independence in 1974. The latest takeover marks the second direct threat to President Embalo’s administration, following a failed coup attempt in February 2022.

‎As at the time of filing this report, the military junta has not announced a transition timeline, and sporadic gunfire continues to be reported in parts of Bissau. Internet services have been restricted, and the country’s borders remain closed.

‎Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regional efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully and restore stability in Guinea-Bissau.