Editorial: Guinea-Bissau’s Coup Is An Assault On Democratic Governance

The government of Ghana has condemned the military overthrow of Guinea-Bissau’s government, which occurred just days after the country held its presidential and legislative elections on November 23, 2025.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accurately described the action as “an unconstitutional usurpation of authority” and “a direct assault on democratic governance.” At a time when coups are becoming increasingly normalised in Africa, the statement could not have come at the appropriate time.

Prior to the coup, both incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira had prematurely declared electoral victory ahead of the official results scheduled for November 27, 2025. Both have reportedly been detained by the coup-makers.

The coup was announced by Brigadier General Denis N’Canha, leader of a military group calling itself the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order.” The group claimed it acted to stop an alleged plot by unnamed politicians backed by a drug baron.

The Governmen tof Ghana expressed “profound concern” over the military action, warning that the takeover disrupts Guinea-Bissau’s democratic trajectory. It called for the “immediate restoration of constitutional order” and insisted that election grievances must be resolved “solely through peaceful, transparent, and legally recognized mechanisms.”Ghana also demanded protection of citizens and foreign nationals.

The Chronicle supports the government’s strong condemnation of the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau. This is not only timely but vital. At a moment when West Africa is struggling under the weight of successive unconstitutional overthrows, democracy in the region cannot afford another blow. Ghana has taken a decisive and principled stance and it is the correct one.

The events in Guinea-Bissau are deeply troubling. Only three days after citizens went to the polls, a group of soldiers led by Brigadier General Denis N’Canha seize power and suspend the electoral process. They claimed they were “restoring order” and preventing an alleged plot involving politicians backed by a drug baron. But no amount of rhetoric can mask what this really is: a coup d’état, pure and simple.

Even if both President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira prematurely declared victory, that behavior do not justify military intervention. Disputes must be handled by the courts, the electoral commission and established institutions,not the barrel of a gun.

Ghana’s position is also a much-needed reminder to the sub-region that has suffered a wave of coups in recent years from Mali and Burkina Faso to Niger. With every successful coup, soldiers elsewhere feel emboldened.

That is why Ghana’s firm stance is important: it signals that countries committed to democratic governance will not sit quietly while unconstitutional actors derail entire nations.

Equally alarming is the reported arrest of both Embaló and Pereira. Regardless of political affiliation, no elected or aspiring leader should be detained without due process. When soldiers begin arresting civilian leaders, suspending elections and issuing decrees then the country edges closer to authoritarianism.

Going forward, ECOWAS must back Ghana’s position with concrete action. Statements alone will not reverse this dangerous trend. The region needs a consistent policy against coups one that includes diplomatic isolation, targeted sanctions, and coordinated pressure to return countries to constitutional order.

Guinea-Bissau deserves stability. It deserves institutions that function without military interference. And it deserves the right to resolve its political disputes peacefully, as Ghana has urged.

 

 

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