Abuja – A joint election observation mission of the African Union, ECOWAS and the West African Elders Forum, which was monitoring Sunday’s presidential election in Guinea‑Bissau, issued a statement on Wednesday expressing “deep concern” over the military intervention that followed the vote. The mission described the takeover as “regrettable” and said it came shortly after the observers met the two leading candidates, who had assured them they would respect the will of the voters.
The coup unfolded after incumbent President Umaro Embaló and his main challenger, Fernando Dias, each claimed victory before the electoral commission released official results. Soldiers subsequently seized state institutions, closed all borders and shut down the country’s airports. In the aftermath, dozens of African leaders, including former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, were stranded in the capital. Jonathan is part of the 36‑member observer delegation.
The mission called on the AU and ECOWAS to take urgent steps to restore constitutional order and demanded the immediate release of all detained officials. “We are deeply concerned about the military intervention, calling it regrettable that the takeover came shortly after meeting the two top candidates, who had assured us they would respect the will of the voters,” the statement read. It added that the delegation is scheduled to depart Guinea‑Bissau on November 29, though it remains unclear whether the ongoing airport shutdown will affect their exit.
The observers warned that the suspension of the electoral process threatens the democratic aspirations of the West African nation and urged regional bodies to act swiftly to reinstate civilian rule. The situation remains fluid as authorities continue to enforce the border and airport closures while international pressure mounts for a return to constitutional order.
