The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the military coup in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, described it as an unacceptable and unconstitutional seizure of power that threatens democratic stability in West Africa.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria expressed “profound dismay and deep concern” over the military insurrection, stressed that it undermined democratic progress not only in Guinea-Bissau but across the entire ECOWAS region.
According to the statement, the action of the coup plotters represents a clear violation of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which rejects any form of ascension to power through unconstitutional means.
Nigeria called for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, as well as the protection of detained officials and the preservation of democratic institutions in Guinea-Bissau.
The Federal Government also urged the coup leaders to guarantee the safety of all election observers still in the country, emphasising the need for restraint and peaceful dialogue among all actors involved.
Nigeria further warned that those responsible for the coup would be held accountable for actions capable of destabilising Guinea-Bissau and eroding the gains of its democratic process.
As a key member of ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria affirmed its readiness to work with regional and international partners to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in the West African nation.
