The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau.
The armed forces of Guinea-Bissau announced on Wednesday that they had taken full control of power of the country and imposed several emergency measures.
According to AU’s statement issued on Thursday, the chairperson “unequivocally” condemned the military coup in the West African country.
The chairperson reiterated AU’s zero tolerance for, and firm rejection of any unconstitutional change of government in accordance with its core normative instruments including the Lomé Declaration on Unconstitutional Changes of Government, the statement noted.
Youssouf emphasised the imperative of respecting the ongoing electoral process and upholding constitutional order, in line with the mandate of the National Electoral Commission (CNE), the sole institution legally empowered to proclaim official election results in the country, the statement said.
The statement said the coup resulted in the arrest of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, senior officials, and political leaders hours before the announcement of electoral results.
“The chairperson called for the immediate and unconditional release of President Embaló and all detained officials, and urged all parties to exercise the utmost restraint in order to prevent any further deterioration of the situation,” the statement said.
He reaffirmed AU’s readiness to work in close coordination with regional economic communities and other key international partners, to support all efforts aimed at restoring stability and safeguarding democratic processes through dialogue and legally grounded mechanisms.
The chairperson also reiterated AU’s steadfast support and solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau during this critical period, and its commitment to accompanying them on the path toward peace, stability, and democratic consolidation.
MG/as/APA