What is the UN Chief Saying About the Guinea-Bissau Coup?

The United Nations has made its position very clear on the sudden power takeover in Guinea-Bissau. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the coup carried out by a faction of the country’s military, calling it a direct attack on democracy and the will of the people.

The statement, delivered through his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, expressed deep concern about the way constitutional order was disrupted. 

According to the UN, no group has the right to overturn the choice of citizens who peacefully voted in the November 23 elections.

The coup, which removed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló from office, happened just as Guinea-Bissau awaited the release of official presidential election results. 

Embaló and his main challenger, Fernando Dias, had both claimed victory even before the provisional results were made public. 

The tension created the perfect atmosphere for the military to step in, announcing that they had taken full control of the country.

Guterres said that ignoring the votes of the people is an unacceptable violation of democratic values. He called for constitutional order to be restored immediately and without any conditions. 

This includes freeing all detained officials, especially those involved in the electoral process, as well as political leaders and opposition figures currently held by the junta.

The UN chief also urged everyone involved to stay calm and avoid actions that could worsen the crisis. He asked the military to respect human rights and to honour their responsibilities under international law. 

For him, disagreements should never be settled with force; they should be resolved through peaceful dialogue and proper legal channels.

Guterres also expressed full support for ECOWAS and the West African Elders Forum, both of which are already working to restore stability. 

As regional leaders hold urgent meetings and consider next steps, the UN says it stands with them to protect democracy and help Guinea-Bissau return to normal.