The United States President, Mr. Barack Obama and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon have strongly condemned the actions taken by certain elements of Guinea Bissau’s military to seize power from the country’s civilian leadership, calling for the immediate restoration of the legitimate government.
President Obama said in a media note obtained by our Correspondent that: “We remain deeply concerned about the safety of the country’s interim president, senior figures, and others who may be put in harm’s way because of these actions. We call for the release of all government leaders and urge all parties to reconcile their differences through the democratic process.
“We welcome the strong statement by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), condemning this unconstitutional seizure of power, and we applaud ECOWAS’s consistent efforts to reinforce constitutional rule.? We also welcome the United Nations Security Council’s attention to the situation in Guinea Bissau and its swift condemnation of the events there”.
In his own reaction, Secretary-General of the UN, Mr. Ban Ki-moon stated that the military coup was unconstitutional.
“The Secretary – General underscored the need for the Armed Forces and its leadership to respect civilian authority, constitutional order and the rule of law, as well as to take urgent and immediate steps to return the country to civilian rule”, Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement.
Also, the UN Security Council strongly condemned the forcible seizure of power from the government, calling that they should ensure the safety and security of the two leaders and all senior officials currently detained, and as well demanded their immediate release.
“The members of the Security Council firmly denounce this incursion by the military into politics”, they said in a statement issued to the press.
They also demanded “the immediate restoration of constitutional order and the legitimate government to allow for the completion of the ongoing electoral process, including the legislative elections”, a statement obtained by our correspondent said.
In addition, the Council urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from violence and remain calm.