AU, ECOWAS Must Take Necessary Steps to Restore Constitutional Order in Guinea-Bissau- Election Observation Missions

Election observation missions in Guinea-Bissau have implored the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to take the necessary steps to ensure the country immediately reverts to constitutional rule.

In a joint statement, the Heads of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM), and the West African Elders Forum reported that there was an orderly and peaceful conclusion of the voting process for the presidential and legislative elections held on 23 November 2025, as they commended stakeholders.

It, however, expressed its ‘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 Missions disclosed that it came right after they concluded a meeting with the two leading presidential candidates, who assured them of their willingness to accept the will of the people.

“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.”

Meanwhile, it demanded the release of top officials, including those who are in charge of the electoral process, by the junta.

“In this regard, we urge the armed forces to immediately release the detained officials to allow the country’s electoral process to proceed to its conclusion.”

Urging the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm, it committed to supporting the Country on its democratic path.

A group of military officers on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, announced they had seized control of Guinea-Bissau following reports that President Umaro Sissoco Embaló had been arrested.

They said they were acting to thwart a plot by unnamed politicians who had “the support of a well-known drug baron” to destabilise the country, and announced the closure of its borders and imposed a night-time curfew, BBC reports.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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