The West African Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) condemns the coup in Guinea-Bissau. The Network further decries the increasing tendency of the military to interfere in democratic processes across the region.

The military takeover in Guinea-Bissau adds to the growing list of coups in West Africa, further worsening an already fragile political and security environment in the region. The sub-region is increasingly grappling with the growing threat to democracy, governance, and stability.

Elections continue to be marred by violence and controversy, including the disqualification of opposition candidates in countries such as Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, and Benin. The region also contends with violent extremism, worsening insecurity in the Sahel, the impact of geopolitical tensions, and declining multilateral cooperation.

WADEMOS, therefore, calls on the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), and international bodies to prioritize the implementation of the following measures:

I. Ensure timely transition and handover to a democratically elected government in Guinea-Bissau, supervised jointly by the AU and ECOWAS, and the release of activists and political actors detained by the junta.

II. Implement the 1st and 2nd AU Reflection Forum Declaration on Unconstitutional Changes of Governments in Africa.

III. Accelerate the implementation of the Regional Security Sector Reform (SSR) strategy to support member states in reforming their security institutions and strengthening public trust.

IV. Expedite the process for a new multilateral pact for ECOWAS, and develop a framework for engagement with partners, including the AES and geopolitical actors, to enhance resilience and collaborative response to escalating insecurity and democratic backsliding in the region.

In conclusion, WADEMOS commends the governments of Ghana and Nigeria for their unequivocal condemnation of the coup and calls on other member states to emulate this exemplary act of solidarity towards the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. The Network further entreats ECOWAS and all regional stakeholders to uphold and reaffirm their commitment to restoring political stability, peace and security in West Africa.