Table of Contents
- Suspension of Guinea-Bissau
- ECOWAS Response
- Military Takeover
- International Reactions
- Historical Context
- AU Suspensions
The African Union (AU) has suspended Guinea-Bissau following the coup that ousted President Umaro Embalo.
The Chairman of the AU, Mahamoud Youssouf, announced that the union has decided to suspend Guinea-Bissau from its institutions with immediate effect.
According to DAILY POST, this decision by the regional body came just hours after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended Guinea-Bissau from its decision-making bodies in response to the coup.
ECOWAS’ Mediation and Security Council (MSC) made this decision after an emergency meeting late Thursday.
It is important to note that military officers seized power in Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday, shortly after the country’s disputed presidential and legislative elections.
These officers promptly suspended the nation’s electoral process and closed its borders.
They also halted the announcement of election results and appointed General Horta N’Tam, the chief of staff of the army, as the new leader of the country for a duration of one year.
After being initially detained by the military, Embalo fled to Senegal on Thursday.
The military takeover has faced widespread condemnation.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized the “unacceptable violation of democratic principles.”
Located between Senegal and Guinea, Guinea-Bissau has experienced four coups and numerous attempted coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. Its election outcomes are frequently contested.
As one of the world’s poorest nations, Guinea-Bissau also serves as a major hub for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe, a trade exacerbated by the country’s long-standing political instability.
Guinea-Bissau joins several other nations that have faced suspension by the AU following coups across the continent, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Sudan, and most recently, Madagascar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the suspension of Guinea-Bissau by the African Union?
The suspension was prompted by a military coup that overthrew President Umaro Embalo.
What actions did the military take after seizing power?
The military suspended the electoral process, closed the borders, halted the announcement of election results, and appointed General Horta N’Tam as the new leader for one year.
How has the international community reacted to the coup?
The coup has been widely criticized, with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denouncing it as an unacceptable violation of democratic principles.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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