Nigeria condemns coup d’état in Guinea-Bissau

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

The Federal Government has condemned the coup d’état that took place on Wednesday in Guinea-Bissau.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, in a statement issued in Abuja, said the Federal Government learned with profound dismay and deep concern of the unfortunate military coup, which has led to an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.

Ebienfa also said the Federal Government of Nigeria, in the strongest possible terms, condemned the act of military insurrection, which undermined the democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability, not only of Guinea-Bissau but of the entire West African sub-region.

“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.

“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.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria unequivocally calls on the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure and guarantee the safety of all election observers still in the country on official assignment.

“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.

“We warn that those behind 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,” Ebienfa said.

He further said Nigeria, as a key member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, will work closely with 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.