The heads of the African Union and ECOWAS election observation missions, as well as the president of the West African Forum of Elders, expressed their deep concern over the post-election situation in Guinea-Bissau, following the announcement of a coup by the armed forces, which occurred while the country was awaiting the proclamation of the results of the presidential and legislative elections of November 23, 2025.

In a joint statement released today, observers commended the orderly and peaceful conduct of the elections and the exemplary civic engagement of the people of Guinea-Bissau. They also acknowledged the professionalism of polling station staff, security forces, and representatives of candidates and political parties.

"Despite these encouraging developments, we are deeply concerned by the announcement of a coup d'état by the armed forces, just as the nation was awaiting the proclamation of the election results. It is regrettable that this coup announcement comes at a time when the election observation missions had just concluded their meetings with the two main presidential candidates, who had assured them of their commitment to respecting the people's choice. We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains achieved so far. We call on the African Union and ECOWAS to take the necessary measures to restore constitutional order," states the communiqué, signed by His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission and former President of Mozambique; His Excellency Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara, Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission; and His Excellency Goodluck Jonathan, President of the West African Forum of Elders and former President of Nigeria. They are demanding the immediate release of the detained senior officials, particularly those in charge of the electoral process.

The statement urges the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm and stresses the importance of preserving peace, stability and the well-being of citizens during this sensitive period.