African Union Takes Firm Stance After Guinea-Bissau Coup
The African Union (AU) has taken decisive action by suspending Guinea-Bissau in response to a recent military takeover. This move underscores the continental body's firm policy of zero tolerance for any unconstitutional changes of government.
Immediate Suspension and Regional Condemnation
In a resolution adopted by the AU Peace and Security Council on Friday, the organisation declared it would immediately suspend the Republic of Guinea-Bissau from participating in all AU activities. This suspension will remain in effect until the constitutional order is fully restored within the country.
The military coup occurred on Wednesday, creating fresh instability just days after presidential and legislative elections were held on Sunday. The political situation was already volatile, with both incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias claiming victory in the poll.
This action by the AU was swiftly followed by the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, which suspended Guinea-Bissau from its decision-making bodies on Thursday. Both organisations are aligned in their demand for a return to constitutional governance.
A History of Instability and International Response
Guinea-Bissau, a nation of approximately 2.2 million people, has been plagued by political instability since gaining independence from Portugal over five decades ago. This latest event marks another turbulent chapter, coming shortly after a coup attempt in October.
Following the takeover, the country's military high command inaugurated former army chief of staff, General Horta Inta-a, as the head of a new military government. A declaration broadcast on state television stated that this military-led administration would oversee a transitional period expected to last one year.
In a significant development, ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló managed to leave the country, arriving in neighbouring Senegal on Thursday aboard a flight chartered by the Senegalese government.
Experts have frequently pointed out that Guinea-Bissau's status as a major hub for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe has been a significant factor, fuelling its recurring political crises and complicating its path to stable governance.
