ECOWAS and the African Union have condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau and demanded the immediate release of detained government and electoral officials.

The military seized power on 26 November, suspending state institutions and halting the announcement of results from the 23 November elections. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and several senior officials were reportedly detained.

In a joint statement, ECOWAS, the AU and the West African Elders Forum called the takeover unconstitutional and said it undermines the will of voters. They urged the junta to restore constitutional order and allow the electoral process to resume.

The coup adds to Guinea-Bissau’s history of political instability, despite international observers describing the recent elections as peaceful. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.