The African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have jointly condemned the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as a “blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process.”

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the regional bodies demanded the immediate release of detained election officials and called for a swift return to constitutional order.

The declaration, signed by AU Election Observation Mission Head Filipe Nyusi, ECOWAS Mission Head Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara, and West African Elders Forum Head Goodluck Jonathan, praised the “orderly conclusion” of voting on November 23 and commended citizens’ civic engagement and the professionalism of electoral staff. It expressed “deep concern” over the army’s announcement of seizing power while results were pending, warning that the arrests of officials—including members of the National Electoral Commission—pose a direct threat to the integrity of the vote.

“We deplore this disruption of the democratic process,” the statement read, noting that both leading candidates, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition challenger Fernando Capela da Costa, had assured observers they would respect the outcome. The AU and ECOWAS urged Guinea-Bissau’s citizens to remain calm, reject violence, and reaffirm commitment to peace, while pressing regional institutions to implement measures for democratic restoration.

The Portuguese-language communiqué emphasized the need to complete the electoral process without interference, highlighting that voting had proceeded smoothly despite pre-election tensions over Embaló’s term extension and opposition challenges. Analysts warn that the coup risks destabilizing the region, as Guinea-Bissau has endured at least nine coups or attempts since independence in 1974.

International reactions were swift. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for restraint and respect for the rule of law, while the U.S. mission issued a security advisory citing military checkpoints and tear gas deployments in Bissau. ECOWAS, which deployed over 6,700 stabilization troops for the elections, has not yet detailed possible sanctions but previously suspended Guinea-Bissau after similar unrest.

With borders and airspace closed under a nationwide curfew, the fate of detained President Embaló and the timeline for announcing results—originally scheduled for Thursday—remain uncertain. Observers fear the crisis could escalate in the fragile coastal nation, long plagued by political instability and its role as a hub for cocaine trafficking.