Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Guinea-Bissau, Dec 27. - Electoral observation missions from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union have rejected this Wednesday the "regrettable announcement of a coup d'état" made by the Army of Guinea-Bissau, which has overthrown and arrested President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, along with other high-ranking government officials, and has reportedly also detained opposition figures.
"We express our deep concern over the announcement of a coup d'état by the armed forces, while the country was awaiting the announcement of the results," stated the heads of electoral observers from both entities, in a statement also signed by the Forum of African Elders, dedicated to mediation in conflicts and the promotion of democracy in the region.
In this document, the officials from the three parties have described it as "regrettable that this announcement occurred just as the (electoral observation) missions had just concluded their meeting with the two main presidential candidates, who assured us of their willingness to accept the popular will."
"We deplore this flagrant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the achievements made to date," they asserted in a text in which they requested "the African Union and ECOWAS to take the necessary measures to restore constitutional order" in the country.
Furthermore, they expressed their "concern over the detentions of high-ranking officials, including those responsible for the electoral process.""In this regard, we urge the armed forces to immediately release the detained officials to allow the country's electoral process to reach its conclusion," they added.
The electoral process has precisely been the only positive aspect evaluated in this statement, which began by congratulating "the people of Guinea-Bissau for their firm civic commitment, as well as for the professionalism demonstrated by electoral staff, security personnel, presidential candidates, and party representatives."
The United Nations has also commented on the coup. Regarding it, UN Secretary-General António Guterres "appeals to all parties in Guinea-Bissau to act with restraint and respect the rule of law," according to his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, who stated at a press conference that the UN leader "is following the situation with deep concern" and "will closely monitor" its evolution.
His words came after the announcement of a coup d'état by the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau and the overthrow of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló amidst tensions over the general elections held on Sunday, a process that has been declared "suspended," shortly after the president reported being detained by military personnel in his office at the Presidential Palace.
In parallel, the Army has also reportedly detained the country's main opposition figure, Domingos Simoes Pereira, as well as leaders involved in the electoral campaign of the elected candidate Fernando Dias da Costa, Embaló's main rival. (Text and Photo: Cubadebate)
