African observers condemn military coup, urge democracy restoration in Guinea-Bissau

In a joint statement, the heads of the African Union, ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum have strongly condemned the seizure of power by the armed forces of Guinea-Bissau.

The leaders, former Presidents Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique and Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, along with Issifu Kamara, issued their condemnation against the backdrop of the country’s recent elections.

The observers commended the Guinean people for a peaceful and orderly voting process but expressed deep concern over the military’s announcement of a coup d’état, which came as the nation awaited official election results.

They described the act as a “blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process,” noting it was especially regrettable as the leading presidential candidates had just assured them of their willingness to accept the people’s will.

The statement called on the African Union and ECOWAS to take necessary steps to restore constitutional order. It also urged the immediate release of detained top officials, including those in charge of the electoral process, to allow the democratic process to reach its proper conclusion.

The missions further appealed for public calm and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Guinea-Bissau on its democratic path, underscoring the importance of preserving peace and stability.

The coup declaration by military officers on November 23 suspended the electoral process and removed the president, abruptly halting the democratic progress following that day’s presidential and legislative elections.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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