The Heads of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, and the West African Elders Forum have jointly condemned what they describe as a “blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process” in Guinea-Bissau following an unexpected coup announcement by the country’s armed forces.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Bissau on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the three missions expressed deep concern that the military declared a coup at a time when the nation was awaiting official results from the November 23 presidential and legislative elections.
According to the missions, the announcement was particularly troubling, coming just hours after they met with the two leading presidential candidates—both of whom reportedly pledged to respect the outcome of the elections.
The joint observation teams commended the people of Guinea-Bissau for their “strong civic engagement” and praised polling staff, security agencies, and party agents for their professionalism throughout the voting exercise.
However, they also expressed alarm over the arrest of top officials, including key personnel responsible for overseeing the electoral process. They called for the immediate release of all detained officials to ensure the election results can be concluded without interference.
The missions urged the African Union and ECOWAS to take urgent steps to restore constitutional order in the country, stressing the importance of preserving peace, stability, and the well-being of citizens during what they described as a “sensitive and critical period.”
The statement was jointly signed by:
H.E. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, Head of the AUEOM and former President of Mozambique
H.E. Issifu Baba Braímah Kamara, Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission
H.E. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Head of the West African Elders Forum and former President of Nigeria.
More details to follow as the situation develops.
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