The African Union has issued a forceful condemnation of Wednesday’s military coup in Guinea-Bissau, demanding the immediate restoration of constitutional order after armed forces seized power and detained President Umaro Sissoco Embalo along with several senior government officials.
In a strongly worded statement released Thursday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf declared the military takeover a clear violation of the bloc’s fundamental principles. The coup occurred at a particularly sensitive moment as the nation awaited the official announcement of national election results.
Youssouf reiterated the continental body’s absolute zero-tolerance policy toward unconstitutional government changes. He referenced a joint statement issued November 26 by AU election observers and other stakeholders that had emphasized the critical importance of protecting electoral integrity.
The AU chair specifically emphasized that Guinea-Bissau’s National Electoral Commission maintains exclusive legal authority to announce official results, urging all parties to respect its constitutional role. He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of President Embalo and all detained officials while calling for maximum restraint to prevent further escalation.
The African Union expressed its readiness to collaborate closely with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and international partners to facilitate dialogue, ensure stability, and achieve a lawful resolution to the escalating crisis. Youssouf reaffirmed the Union’s solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau during this critical period, emphasizing the AU’s continued commitment to supporting their pursuit of peace, stability, and democratic consolidation.