LEADERS Of The African Union (AU) And The Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) Monitoring The Elections In Guinea-Bissau Have Expressed Deep Concern Following The Coup Announcement By The Country’s Military.
In A Joint Statement Accompanying A Message From A West African Elders’ Meeting, The Leaders Said The Country Was One Step Away From Announcing The Election Results After A Smooth And Peaceful Process.
“We Are Disappointed By This Announcement, Especially Considering That Our Delegation Had Met With The Two Presidential Candidates Who Assured Us Of Their Readiness To Accept The Results,” The Statement Said.
The Observers Also Criticized The Arrests Of Senior Officials, Including Election Commission Officials, And Called For Their Immediate Release. They Called The Coup A Clear Attempt To Disrupt The Country’s Democratic Progress.
In Addition, The Leaders Of The AU And ECOWAS Have Called On The Two Institutions To Ensure The Rapid Restoration Of Constitutional Order In The Country Of About Two Million People.
For His Part, The Secretary-General Of The United Nations, António Guterres, Has Called For Calm And Respect For The Rule Of Law, Stressing That The Situation In Guinea-Bissau Will Be Closely Monitored.
Canada Has Also Issued A Travel Warning For Its Citizens Following The Ongoing Political Tension In The Country.