African Union Strongly Condemns Military Coup in Guinea-Bissau
Addis Ababa, 28 November 25
The African Union (AU) has issued a forceful condemnation of the military coup d’état that took place in Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, an event marked by the arrest of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló along with senior government officials and prominent political leaders.
In a statement released from AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, denounced the coup “in the strongest terms,” reaffirming the AU’s unwavering zero tolerance stance toward any unconstitutional change of government. He cited key normative instruments underpinning this position, including the AU Constitutive Act, the 2000 Lomé Declaration, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the Ezulwini Framework.
Chairperson Youssouf also referenced the joint statement earlier issued by the heads of the African Union, ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum election observation missions. He underscored that only the National Electoral Commission (CNE) holds the legal mandate to announce official election results, rejecting any parallel declarations or attempts to subvert due process.
Calling for immediate de-escalation, Mr. Youssouf demanded the unconditional release of President Embaló and all other detained officials. He urged all stakeholders—military and civilian—to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further instability or violence in the country.
Reaffirming the AU’s readiness to act, the Chairperson stated that the Union stands prepared to work in close coordination with ECOWAS and other international partners to ensure the swift restoration of constitutional order. He emphasized that any resolution must be achieved through dialogue, established legal frameworks, and the principles of democratic governance.
The African Union, he concluded, remains in full solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and is committed to supporting efforts aimed at lasting peace, political stability, and democratic consolidation.
