The sudden announcement of a coup d’état in Guinea‑Bissau has left international election observer missions and former Heads of Government caught in the middle of a volatile post‑election crisis.

Military officers in Guinea-Bissau declared they have “total control” of the country on Wednesday, closing its borders and suspending its electoral process three days after general elections.

General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, told members of the press that a command “composed of all branches of the armed forces, was taking over the leadership of the country until further notice”.

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In a joint statement issued in Bissau, the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) commended the people of Guinea‑Bissau for their “strong civic engagement” and praised the “professionalism demonstrated by polling staff, security personnel, presidential candidates’ and party agents” during the November 23 presidential and legislative elections.

The statement was jointly signed by Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, Former President of Mozambique and Head of the AU Mission; Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara, Head of the ECOWAS Mission; and Goodluck Jonathan, Former President of Nigeria and Head of the West African Elders Forum.

However, the observers expressed shock at the military’s move to seize power just as the results were being awaited.

“Despite these encouraging developments, we express deep concern with the announcement of a coup d’état by the armed forces, while the nation was waiting for the announcement of the results,” the statement read.

The missions noted that the announcement came immediately after they had met with the two leading presidential candidates, who had assured them of their willingness to accept the will of the people.

“We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains that have been achieved thus far,” the observers declared, urging the African Union and ECOWAS to take “necessary steps to restore constitutional order.”