Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on Friday condemned this week’s coup in neighbouring Guinea-Bissau as a political sham.
The country’s military installed Major-General Horta Inta-a as transitional president, toppling civilian leadership before election results could be declared.
Oustee President Umaro Sissoco Embalo arrived in Senegal on Thursday, following ECOWAS intervention to ensure his safe evacuation, the foreign ministry said.
Sonko told lawmakers that Guinea-Bissau’s electoral process must continue uninterrupted, insisting the electoral commission retain authority to announce the legitimate winner.
“What happened in Guinea-Bissau was a sham. We want the electoral process to continue,” he said, emphasising democratic order and transparency.
ECOWAS condemned the military takeover and suspended Guinea-Bissau, demanding soldiers return to their barracks and a mediation team be deployed immediately.
The bloc highlighted its commitment to regional stability, warning that disruptions to constitutional governance threaten peace across West Africa.
The coup has sparked fears of escalating political instability in Guinea-Bissau, a nation with a history of fragile transitions and military interventions.
Sonko’s statements and ECOWAS actions underscore international pressure for restoration of civilian rule and the sanctity of democratic elections.
