UN Secretary-General António Guterres is “deeply concerned by the events that are unfolding,” its spokesperson said in a statement. statement late Thursday.
“It strongly condemns the coup d’état perpetrated by military elements and any attempt to violate the constitutional order.”
He emphasized that ignoring “the will of the people who voted peacefully during the general elections of November 23 constitutes an unacceptable violation of democratic principles.”
Restoring constitutional order
The Secretary-General called for “immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order“, as well as the release of all detained officials, including electoral authorities, opposition leaders and other political actors.
He urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint, respect the rule of law and resolve disputes through “peaceful and inclusive dialogue and legal channels.”
According to media reports, soldiers overthrew civilian leaders in a quick takeover before official election results could be announced and installed Maj. Gen. Horta Inta-a as transitional president.
The deposed president, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, later arrived in Senegal, the reports added.
The coup marks the latest military takeover in West and Central Africa, underscoring ongoing regional instability.
Mr. Embaló addressing the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
Regional reactions
The Secretary-General also reaffirmed the full support of the United Nations for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and the West African Elders Forum to safeguard democracy, promote stability and help Guinea-Bissau peacefully conclude the electoral process and quickly return to the democratic path.
The African Union also issued a strong condemnation, with Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reiterating the AU’s “zero tolerance” for unconstitutional changes of government. He called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained officials and stressed that only the National Electoral Commission had the legal authority to proclaim election results.
ECOWAS also condemned the military takeover and announced on Thursday that it had suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making bodies following an emergency summit of regional leaders.
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
