UN secretary-general António Guterres has condemned the coup d’état perpetrated by elements of the military in Guinea-Bissau.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Guterres condemned any attempt to violate constitutional order.

Umaro Sissoco Embalo was deposed on Wednesday as president after military officers announced they had seized “total control” of Guinea-Bissau ahead of the expected release of presidential election results in the West African nation.

Mr Embalo had been vying for re-election against his main challenger, Fernando Dias, and both had declared victory ahead of the release of the provisional results.

The UN chief stressed that any disregard for the will of the people who peacefully cast their votes in the November 23 general elections constitutes an unacceptable violation of democratic principles.

Mr Guterres called for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order and the release of all detained officials.

Mr Guterres specifically demanded the release of those responsible for the electoral process, opposition leaders and other political actors.

He urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint, uphold democratic institutions and the rule of law.

The UN chief called on the military junta to respect the will of the people while acting in accordance with their obligations under international human rights law.

He emphasised that disputes must be resolved through peaceful and inclusive dialogue and legal avenues.

Mr Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations’ full support for the efforts of ECOWAS and the West African Elders Forum to restore normalcy in the country.

According to him, he supports ECOWAS and the Elders Forum in safeguarding democracy, promoting stability, and assisting Guinea-Bissau in concluding the electoral process peacefully and swiftly returning to its democratic path. 

(NAN)