The Federal Authorities has reacted to the army coup in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as a severe threat to democracy and regional stability.
In an announcement issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Overseas Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria stated it obtained information of the event “with profound dismay and deep concern,” criticising the coup for inflicting “an unconstitutional change of presidency within the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.”
The assertion added, “The Federal Authorities condemns this act of army revolt which undermines the democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability not solely of Guinea-Bissau however of the whole West African sub-region.
“It represents a blatant violation of the elemental rules of the {Economic} Group of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which explicitly rejects any ascension to energy via unconstitutional means.”
Nigeria expressed solidarity with the folks of Guinea-Bissau, calling for the “speedy and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the security and safety of all these detained, and full respect for the sanctity of democratic establishments in Guinea-Bissau.” The assertion additionally urged the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to guard overseas election observers nonetheless within the nation.
“The Nigerian Authorities needs to unequivocally name on the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to make sure and assure the security of all election observers nonetheless within the nation on official project,” it added.
Calling for restraint, Nigeria appealed to all events to stay peaceable and respect the nation’s democratic processes.
“The Federal Authorities of Nigeria urges all actors concerned to train utmost restraint, prioritise peaceable dialogue, and respect the need of the folks of Guinea-Bissau as expressed via their ballots and the peaceable conclusion of the election with the announcement of outcomes by the electoral administration physique,” the assertion stated.
The federal government warned that these chargeable for the coup would face penalties.
“We warn that the perpetrators of this act will probably be held accountable for his or her actions, which threaten to plunge the nation into chaos and reverse the hard-won good points of its democracy,” it acknowledged.
Nigeria reaffirmed its dedication to working with regional and worldwide companions to revive stability. “As a key member of ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria will work intently with our regional and worldwide companions to take all obligatory measures to make sure the swift return to normalcy and constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau. We reaffirm our unwavering dedication to the promotion of democracy, peace, and stability throughout the African continent,” the assertion concluded.
The coup was condemned by election observers from the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS on Wednesday, who described it as a direct try to derail Guinea-Bissau’s democratic course of.
Guinea-Bissau was thrown into turmoil on Wednesday as army officers declared “complete management” of the nation, shut its borders, and suspended the electoral course of simply three days after the overall elections. Heavy gunfire was reported close to the presidential palace, with armed males blocking entry roads.
Normal Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential army workplace, introduced {that a} command “composed of all branches of the armed forces was taking up the management of the nation till additional discover,” talking whereas flanked by troopers.