The recent military coup in Guinea-Bissau has drawn severe condemnation from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who characterized the takeover as a serious breach of constitutional order and democratic principles. This incident unfolded shortly after national elections held on November 23, 2023, and has prompted urgent calls for the restoration of democratic governance.
Guterres urged all parties involved to respect the electoral process by swiftly and unconditionally reinstating constitutional order. He emphasized the need for dialogue, stating, “Disputes must be resolved through peaceful and inclusive dialogue and legal avenues.” This sentiment was echoed by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, who highlighted concerns over potential human rights abuses, including restrictions on independent media and internet access, as well as reports of violence against peaceful demonstrators.
The military coup, which occurred mere days after the elections, saw at least 18 individuals detained, many of whom are reportedly being held incommunicado. Türk noted the excessive use of force exhibited by military personnel during the takeover, leading to significant unrest in the capital.
In a similar vein, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, condemned the military’s actions, reiterating the AU’s firm stance against unconstitutional changes in government. He affirmed that the National Electoral Commission holds exclusive legal authority to announce election outcomes.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also denounced the coup and announced that Guinea-Bissau would be suspended from its decision-making bodies until constitutional order is fully restored. This collective condemnation underscores a regional commitment to uphold democratic norms.
The political turmoil began when both the incumbent president, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, and his main rival, Fernando Dias, declared victory shortly after the elections, despite official results not yet being released. On November 26, 2023, the military announced it had taken “total control” of the nation, asserting that its intervention was necessary to prevent electoral manipulation. This claim remains unsubstantiated.
Following the coup, Umaro was reportedly arrested at his presidential office. On November 27, 2023, Major-General Horta Nta Na Man was sworn in as transitional president for a one-year term after the military removed Umaro from office. The ousted president has since fled to Senegal, where the Prime Minister described the coup as a “sham.”
Guinea-Bissau’s latest coup represents a continuation of a troubling pattern of instability since the country’s independence from Portugal in 1974. The nation has experienced multiple coups or attempted coups, with significant events occurring in 2012 and 2022. Analysts have noted that the pervasive involvement of Guinea-Bissau’s political-military elite in illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, has been a major contributor to the country’s ongoing political crises.
In his inaugural address, transitional President Horta justified the military’s actions by claiming they were necessary to protect Guinean democracy from “narcotraffickers.” This justification reflects a complex interplay of governance and illicit markets that has historically plagued the nation.
The situation in Guinea-Bissau remains fluid, with calls from international bodies for a return to democratic governance intensifying. As the nation grapples with the fallout from the coup, the implications for regional stability and human rights will likely be closely monitored by the international community.
