The African Union (AU) has announced the suspension of Guinea-Bissau following the recent coup d’etat in the country.
The suspension according to AFP on Friday was disclosed by the AU Commission Chairman, Mahammadu Ali Youssouf
He said the AU decided “to suspend Guinea-Bissau from its bodies with immediate effect”,
The election observation missions to Guinea-Bissau set up by the African Union and Economic Community of West African States, and the West African Elders Forum, condemned the halt of the announcement of presidential and legislative elections and subsequent military takeover in the West African country
In a joint statement on Wednesday signed by Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission, Filipe Nyusi; Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, Issifu Kamara; and Head of the West African Elders Forum, Goodluck Jonathan. the election missions deplored what they described as “a blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process” in Guinea-Bissau.
They called on the AU and ECOWAS to take necessary steps to restore constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau.
They also announced the suspension of Guinea-Bissau from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies until a full and effective constitutional order is restored
In the same vein,the United Nations Secretary- General ,Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over the unfolding development in Guinea – Bissau
In a statement on Friday,the UN Scribe strongly condemned the coup d’etat warning that “any disregard for the will of the people who peacefully “voted “during the November 23 general elections” violates “democratic principles.’
He called for the” immediate restoration of constitutional order and the release of all detained officials “
“I am deeply concerned by the unfolding events in Guinea-Bissau.
“I strongly condemn the coup d’état perpetrated by elements of the military & any attempt to violate constitutional order.
“Any disregard of the will of the people who peacefully cast their vote during the 23 November general elections constitutes an unacceptable violation of democratic principles.
“I call for the immediate & unconditional restoration of constitutional order & the release of all detained officials.
“I reaffirm the full support of the
@UN
for safeguarding democracy, promoting stability, and assisting Guinea-Bissau in concluding the electoral process peacefully and swiftly returning to its democratic path.
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