“Strongly condemns the coup d’état perpetrated by military elements and any attempt to violate the constitutional order.”
He highlighted that ignoring “the will of the people who peacefully cast their vote during the general elections of November 23 constitutes an unacceptable violation of democratic principles.”
Restore constitutional order
The Secretary General asked “immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order”, as well as the release of all detained officials, including electoral authorities, opposition leaders and other political actors.
He urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint, uphold the rule of law and resolve disputes through “peaceful and inclusive dialogue and legal channels.”
According to media reports, soldiers overthrew civilian leaders in a quick power grab before official election results could be announced and Major General Horta Inta-a installed as transitional president.
The ousted president, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, later arrived in Senegal, the reports added.
The coup marks the latest military takeover in West and Central Africa, highlighting persistent regional instability.
Embaló addresses the UN General Assembly in September 2025.
Regional reactions
The Secretary-General also reaffirmed the full support of the United Nations for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and the West African Elders Forum to safeguard democracy, promote stability and assist Guinea-Bissau to conclude the electoral process peacefully and quickly return to its democratic path.
The African Union also issued a harsh condemnation and the president of its Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, reiterated the AU’s “zero tolerance” for unconstitutional changes of government. He called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained officials and stressed that only the National Electoral Commission has the legal authority to proclaim the results of the elections.
ECOWAS also condemned the military takeover and announced Thursday that it suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making bodies following an emergency summit of regional leaders.