A coup d’état announced by Guinea-Bissau’s armed forces following presidential and legislative elections held on November 23, 2025, has drawn immediate and strong condemnation from various international bodies and member states. The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM), and the West African Elders Forum issued a joint statement expressing profound concern over the military takeover.

These observation missions commended the people of Guinea-Bissau for their peaceful participation in the elections, as well as the professionalism displayed by polling staff, security personnel, and party agents during the voting process. However, their joint statement highlighted deep concern that the coup announcement came prematurely, while the nation was still awaiting official election results. This disruption occurred just after meetings with the two leading presidential candidates, both of whom had affirmed their commitment to accept the will of the people, further underscoring the severity of the democratic setback.

The joint statement vehemently deplored this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and undermine the significant gains that had been achieved thus far. Alarm was also raised regarding the arrests of top officials, including electoral authorities. The armed forces were urged to immediately release these individuals to allow the electoral process to continue uninterrupted. Furthermore, the African Union and ECOWAS were called upon to take urgent steps to restore constitutional order, and an appeal was made to the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm. The missions reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to supporting Guinea-Bissau on its democratic path.

Adding to the international outcry, Ghana's government issued a forceful condemnation of the military coup, describing the action as a