The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as a grave assault on democracy and a destabilising threat to the West African sub-region.
The reaction followed reports of an unconstitutional change of government in the country, which has unsettled regional leaders and raised fresh concerns over democratic backsliding in West Africa.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, Nigeria said it received the news of the coup “with profound dismay and deep concern,” warning that the takeover poses serious risks to the constitutional order and democratic stability of Guinea-Bissau and neighbouring states.
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The government denounced the military action “in the strongest possible terms,” insisting that it violates the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which expressly prohibits access to power through unconstitutional means.
According to the statement, the coup represents a blatant breach of regional commitments designed to safeguard democratic institutions and prevent the recurrence of political instability.
Nigeria declared its solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and demanded the immediate and unconditional restoration of the democratically constituted government.
It also called for the safety and release of all individuals detained in the course of the military takeover, emphasising the need to protect the sanctity of democratic institutions in the country.
The Federal Government further urged the coup leaders to guarantee the security of election observers still in Guinea-Bissau for official duties following the recent electoral process.
It stressed that all actors must exercise restraint, embrace peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people as reflected in the ballot.
“Those behind this act will be held accountable for actions that threaten to plunge the nation into chaos and reverse the hard-won gains of its democracy,” the statement warned.
Nigeria reaffirmed its readiness to work with ECOWAS, the African Union, and international partners to take all necessary steps to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau.
According to a statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government restated its commitment to defending democracy, peace, and stability across the African continent.
