The Heads of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM), and the West African Elders Forum have jointly condemned the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, calling it a “blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process” following the country’s November 23 presidential and legislative elections.
In a joint statement issued in Bissau on November 26, 2025, the three bodies expressed deep concern that the coup occurred just as the nation awaited the announcement of final election results.
They noted that their observer missions had concluded their work and confirmed that the two leading presidential candidates had expressed willingness to accept the outcome.
“We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains that have been achieved thus far,” the statement said. The groups urged the African Union and ECOWAS to take immediate action to help restore constitutional order.
They commended the people of Guinea-Bissau for their strong civic participation and praised polling staff, security personnel, and party agents for ensuring a peaceful and orderly voting process.
The missions also condemned the reported arrests of top electoral officials, demanding their immediate release to allow the electoral process to continue as required by law.
“We express concern at the arrests of top officials, including those in charge of the electoral process… we urge the armed forces to immediately release the officials,” the statement added.
The three mission heads—H.E. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, former President of Mozambique (AUEOM); H.E. Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara (ECOWAS EOM); and H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria and Head of the West African Elders Forum—called on citizens of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Guinea-Bissau’s stability and democratic path, stressing the need to preserve peace and protect the well-being of the population as the crisis unfolds.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
