Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the military takeover of power in Guinea-Bissau.
On Wednesday, military officers in Guinea-Bissau took “total control” of the country, suspended the electoral process, and closed borders, three days after the polls. Incumbent President Umaro Embalo, who had been favoured to win the election, was arrested.
Denis N’Canha, a general and head of the presidential military office, told journalists that a command “composed of all branches of the armed forces, was taking over the leadership of the country until further notice.”
On Thursday, the military appointed Horta N’Tam, chief of staff of the army, as the country’s leader for a one-year term.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Abubakar said “The coup d’etat in Guinea-Bissau stands condemned”.
“There should be no room for military adventurers in Guinea-Bissau and indeed in the whole of the African continent. Warts and all, democratic governance remains a preferred form of government,” he added.
The Nigerian government condemned the coup, describing it as “unfortunate” and demanding the restoration of democratic order.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, in the strongest possible terms, condemns this act of military insurrection which undermines democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability not only of Guinea-Bissau but of the entire West African sub-region,” said Ebienfa.
He added that the coup violated the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and called for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and the safety of detained officials.
Election observers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) also expressed concern, calling on the military to release detained officials.
In a joint statement, observers including Jonathan, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi of Mozambique, and Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara of ECOWAS condemned the disruption.
