ECOWAS, AU Missions Condemn Coup in Guinea-Bissau

Election observer missions of the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), have expressed concern after the Guinea-Bissau armed forces suspended the election and announced a takeover of the country.

The election missions, in a joint statement issued on Wednesday, described the coup as an attempt to erode the country’s progress toward stability and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

The missions said both the presidential and legislative elections had been orderly and peaceful, with strong voter turnout and professional conduct by electoral officials, security forces, and party agents, adding that the coup has hindered a conclusion to a largely peaceful electoral process.

The observers also raised concerns about the arrest of top officials, demanding their immediate release.