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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has issued a firm condemnation of the military coup d’état that unfolded in Guinea-Bissau on 26 November 2025. The coup resulted in the arrest of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, senior government officials, and political leaders at a crucial moment when the nation was awaiting the official announcement of its electoral results.
In a statement released by the African Union, the Chairperson reiterated the AU’s uncompromising stance against unconstitutional changes of government. He referenced several core AU normative instruments—including the Constitutive Act of the African Union, the Lomé Declaration, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the Ezulwini Framework—as the legal foundations for the Union’s zero-tolerance policy toward coups.
The Chairperson also acknowledged the Joint Statement issued on the same day by the Heads of the African Union Election Observation Mission, the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, and the West African Elders Forum, which addressed the post-election situation in the country.
Emphasizing the need to respect the ongoing electoral process, the AU stressed that only the National Electoral Commission (CNE) is legally mandated to declare the official results. The Chairperson called for the immediate and unconditional release of President Embaló and all detained officials, urging all parties to exercise restraint to avoid further escalation.
He further reaffirmed the AU’s readiness to work closely with ECOWAS and international partners to help restore constitutional order, stability, and peace through dialogue and lawful procedures.
The statement concluded with a message of solidarity to the people of Guinea-Bissau, assuring them of the AU’s commitment to supporting their nation during this critical period and guiding efforts toward democratic consolidation.
