Nigeria has issued a strong denunciation of the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau and demanded the immediate restoration of constitutional governance after soldiers arrested President Umaro Embalo and several officials on Wednesday, November 26, during the uprising.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the development as a setback for the region at a moment when West Africa continues to grapple with repeated disruptions to democratic order.
Nigeria has asked the military to restore power to the democracy.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry issues a statement denouncing the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau.
A statement signed by ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa on Thursday, November 27, said the government was “dismayed” by the events, calling the coup “unfortunate” and a direct challenge to the principles underpinning regional stability.
Nigeria warns coup plotters
The ministry insisted that the takeover violated the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which rejects any power gained through unconstitutional means.
It reaffirmed Nigeria’s solidarity with citizens of Guinea-Bissau and demanded the “immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the safety and security of all those detained and the full respect for the sanctity of democratic institutions in Guinea Bissau”.
Nigeria urged actors in the country to maintain calm and engage in peaceful dialogue following the recently concluded elections.
The statement warned that those responsible would be held accountable for actions capable of driving the country toward deeper turmoil.
Nigeria has expressed willingness to join efforts with the international bodies to restore power to civilians.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry has condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau.
Regional bodies react to military takeover
The Nigerian government also pledged to work with regional and international partners to secure a rapid return to normalcy. It said coordinated diplomatic steps were necessary to prevent further deterioration and to safeguard democratic processes across the subregion.
Guinea-Bissau’s military leadership announced on Wednesday that it had taken total control of the country, suspended the electoral process and closed the borders.
General Denis N’Canha addressed journalists, stating that a command made up of all branches of the armed forces had assumed responsibility for state affairs until further notice.
President Embalo, who was widely expected to perform strongly in Sunday’s election, was arrested by the soldiers.
ECOWAS, AU Condemn Takeover
Election observers from ECOWAS and the African Union have also condemned the coup.
Their joint statement described the action as an attempt to derail the democratic process and urged both bodies to take steps necessary to restore constitutional order.
How Nigeria foiled alleged plot to kill Obasanjo
Earlier, reported that the Nigerian government foiled a coup attempt to topple then-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration in April 2024.
The presidential spokesperson at the time, Remi Oyo, said “serious breaches of security” prompted an investigation into the attempted coup. Oyo said the investigation led to arrests, and nearly 30 mid-ranking officers were implicated.
In October 2024, four military officers and a civilian were charged with plotting to kill Obasanjo. The suspects planned to shoot down Obasanjo’s helicopter with a missile.
