Election observers from the AU, ECOWAS, and West African Elders Forum have condemned the suspension of Guinea-Bissau’s election results after soldiers seized power on Wednesday.
The missions describe the takeover as “a blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process” and are demanding the immediate release of detained electoral officials.
Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace before the military claimed “total control” of the country.
They’ve shut borders, halted the electoral process, and imposed a curfew.
Observers say both leading candidates had earlier agreed to accept the election results.
Guinea-Bissau has witnessed four coups since independence—and this marks yet another setback for democracy in West Africa.
