The African Union (AU) has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its activities with immediate effect. The decision, announced Friday, follows the military coup that ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló earlier this week.
According to AU officials, the suspension is a direct response to the “unconstitutional change of government.” On Wednesday, the military announced the removal of Embaló and the suspension of the recent presidential and legislative elections held on November 23rd. The results of those elections were expected to be released shortly.
Following the coup, military leaders appointed General Horta Ntame, the Chief of Staff of the Army, as the head of the “Supreme Military Command.” This body will oversee a one-year transitional period. Deposed President Embaló reportedly left the country for Senegal on Thursday.
Opposition leader Fernando Dias, who has claimed victory in the disputed elections, stated that he is in a “safe location” within Guinea-Bissau.
The coup has drawn widespread international condemnation. The United Nations described the events as a “violation of democratic principles.” The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has also suspended Guinea-Bissau’s membership in all decision-making bodies.
Guinea-Bissau has a history of political instability, having experienced four coups and numerous attempted coups since its independence in 1974. The country also faces challenges related to widespread corruption and its role as a major transit point for drug trafficking between South America and Europe.
With this suspension, Guinea-Bissau joins a growing list of African nations facing similar penalties from the AU following coups, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Sudan, and Madagascar. Gabon had its suspension lifted in April.
