Guterres condemns military coup in Guinea-Bissau, calls to restore constitutional order
By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN chief Antonio Guterres on Friday has strongly condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, warned that the overthrow of elected authorities just days after national elections represents a grave violation of constitutional order and democratic principles.
Mr. Guterre sis deeply concerned by the unfolding events,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujaric said in a statement issued late on Thursday.
“He strongly condemns the coup d’état perpetrated by elements of the military and any attempt to violate constitutional order,” the statement said
Guterres stressed that disregarding “the will of the people who peacefully cast their vote during the 23 November general elections constitutes an unacceptable violation of democratic principles.”
He called for the “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, the statement read.
He urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint, uphold the rule of law and resolve disputes through “peaceful and inclusive dialogue and legal avenues.”
According to media reports, soldiers toppled the civilian leadership in a swift power grab before official election results could be announced and installed Major-General Horta Inta-a as transitional president, media reported.
Media reports added that the ousted president, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, later arrived in Senegal, the reports added.
The coup marked the latest military takeover in West and Central Africa, underscored persistent regional instability.
The statement noted that there are fears of escalating rights violations after the coup, and the reports of politically motivated arrests and excessive use of force by the military.
Some 18 people including government officials, magistrates and opposition figures have been arbitrarily detained, most reportedly held incommunicado, media reported.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said he was “deeply alarmed” by the reports and called for the “immediate and unconditional release” of those detained.
He also voiced concern over the temporary shutdown of independent radio stations, disruptions to internet access and the reported use of live ammunition to disperse peaceful protesters in the capital, Bissau.
“The military authorities must ensure they fully respect everyone’s fundamental freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly,” he said.
He echoed the Secretary-General’s call for the swift restoration of constitutional order.
Mr. Guterres also reaffirmed the UN full support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and the West African Elders Forum to safeguard democracy, promote stability and assist Guinea-Bissau in concluding the electoral process peacefully and returning swiftly to its democratic path, the statement noted.
The African Union issued a sharp condemnation, with its Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, reiterated 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 has the legal authority to proclaim election results.
ECOWAS condemned the military takeover and announced on Thursday that it has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making bodies following an emergency summit of regional leaders.
