AU Condemns Military Coup in Guinea-Bissau

The African Union (AU) has condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order following the 26 November 2025 takeover that led to the arrest of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and other senior officials.

In a statement issued from Addis Ababa, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said the AU “unequivocally condemns the military coup d’État” and described the development as a direct violation of the organisation’s principles.

“The Chairperson reiterates the African Union’s zero tolerance for, and firm rejection of, any unconstitutional change of government,” the statement read, citing key AU instruments such as the Constitutive Act, the Lomé Declaration, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the Ezulwini Framework.

Youssouf also stressed the need to respect the electoral process, noting that “the National Electoral Commission (CNE) is the sole institution legally empowered to proclaim official election results in the country.”

He further demanded the release of all detained officials, saying the AU “calls for the immediate and unconditional release of President Embaló and all detained officials.”

The Chairperson urged stakeholders to avoid actions that could worsen tensions and reaffirmed the AU’s readiness to work with ECOWAS and other partners to restore stability. “The African Union remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at safeguarding democratic processes through dialogue and legally grounded mechanisms,” he said.

Youssouf concluded by expressing solidarity with citizens of Guinea-Bissau, noting the AU’s commitment to supporting them “on the path toward peace, stability, and democratic consolidation.”