AU Condemns Guinea Bissau Attack

The African Union (AU) has joined voices condemning an attack in Guinea Bissau on Friday, December 1, 2023.

In a statement, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, said the Commission “strongly condemns the recent violence in Guinea Bissau, perpetrated by elements of the National Guard”.

He also expressed concerns about the dissolution of the country’s National Assembly.

“The Chairperson calls on the government and all national stakeholders to prioritise dialogue in the furtherance of peace and to respect the Constitution to ensure the preservation of stability and unity of the country.”

“The Chairperson continues to closely monitor developments in the country and reiterates the African Union’s support to the people and Government of Guinea.”

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Monday shared similar sentiments about the development.

An exchange of gunfire between some rebellious military men and the country’s security forces broke out in the capital, Bissau on Thursday night through to Friday morning, after the former reportedly tried to free two imprisoned officials in the country to no avail.

President Umaro Sissoco Embaló linked the attack to a coup.