COUP: Jonathan, AU, ECOWAS Missions Stranded in Bissau, Insist Election ‘Orderly, Peaceful’ Demand Restoration of Democracy
The African Union (AU), the Economic Committee of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Elders Forum have condemned the coup d’etat in the Guinea Bissau saying that the situation was “setback” to constitutional democracy in the West African sub-region and Africa at large.
The condemnation was contained in a joint statement issued in Bissau by the AU election observer mission headed by former President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, the West African Elders Forum headed by former Nigerian leader, President Goodluck Jonathan and the ECOWAS election observer mission (EOM), headed by Ambassador Isifu Baba Beaimah.
The trio, led the election observation missions to the Sunday presidential and legistive elections in Guinea Bissau.
The election observer missions condemned the coup noting that the elections were “orderly and peaceful” and therefore, should no be tampered with.
The statement reads in part, “We, the Heads African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) ECOWAS Election observation Mission (EOM), and the West African Elders Forum note the orderly and peaceful conclusion of the voting process for the presidential and legislative elections held on 23 November 2025 in the Republic of Guinea Bissau.
“We commend the people of Guinea Bissau for their strong civic engagement, as well as professionalism demonstrated by poling staff, security personnel and presidential candidates’ and party agents, throughout the voting process.
“ Despite these encouraging developments, we express deep concern with the announcement of a coup d’ etat by the armed forces, while the nation was waiting for the announcement of the results.
The laders called on bothe AU nad the ECOWAS to immediately step in and restore constitutional order in the country. “ We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains that have been achieved thus far. We request the African Union and the ECOWAS to take the necessary steps to restore constitutional order,” the statement further read.
The observer missions are currently trapped in the West African nation as the coup plotters have closed all bothers and shutdown the airport effectively blockading the country.
