Jonathan, Other African Leaders Condemn Coup In Guinea – Bissau

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and other African leaders have condemned the coup d’état in Guinea-Bissau.

In a joint statement, Jonathan and the leaders decried the attempt by the coupists to disrupt the democratic process and the gains achieved just days after the peaceful conclusion of the presidential and legislative elections in the country.

Jonathan signed the statement as head of the West African Elders Forum, while Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, a former President of Mozambique, signed as head of the African Union Election Observation Mission. The final signatory was Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara, who signed as head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission.

The three leaders had observed the elections in Guinea-Bissau held on 23 November this year.

According to the statement, the leaders noted that the elections were conducted in an orderly and peaceful manner while condemning the coup.

They stated, “Despite these encouraging developments, we express deep concern regarding the announcement of a coup d’état by armed forces, while the nation was awaiting the announcement of the results.

“It is regrettable that this announcement came at a time when the missions had just concluded meetings with the two leading presidential candidates, who assured us of their willingness to accept the will of the people.”

The leaders urged the African Union and ECOWAS to take necessary steps to restore constitutional order.

They also expressed concern over the arrests of senior officials in the country, including those responsible for the electoral process.

“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.”

They further encouraged the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm.