Human rights defenders across West Africa are calling for the immediate proclamation of Guinea-Bissau’s election results, insisting that the winners must be declared without delay. The appeal follows last week’s military takeover, which plunged the country into uncertainty just as citizens awaited provisional election outcomes.
In a joint statement issued Sunday in Dakar, several civil society and human rights organisations condemned the intervention by the armed forces, describing it as a direct and unacceptable assault on the sovereignty of the Bissau-Guinean people. They argue that the actions of the military amount not only to a coup but a calculated attempt to undermine—and potentially overturn—the will of voters.
The groups urged a swift return to constitutional rule, warning that any further delay risks deepening instability and eroding public trust in democratic processes. They also stressed that transparency in declaring the election results is critical to preventing political manipulation.
As the military government consolidates its control, regional and international observers continue to raise concerns, calling for restraint, respect for democratic norms, and protection of citizens’ rights during this volatile period.
