Global Upfront Newspapers
AfricaCoverNewsPolitics

ECOWAS says Coup Attempt Underway in Guinea-Bissau, UN Express Deep Concern

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for peace in Guinea-Bissau, as gunfire was heard around the government palace in the capital Bissau on Tuesday, triggering concerns of a coup.

“ECOWAS condemns the coup attempt and holds the military responsible for the physical integrity of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and members of his government,” ECOWAS said in a statement.

“ECOWAS asks the military to return to their barracks and maintain a republican posture,” the statement concluded.

The unrest in Guinea-Bissau comes after a military coup rocked Burkina Faso on January 24.

Burkina Faso’s military seizes power in a coup, detained President and dissolves government.

Mamadou Jao, an academic in Guinea Bissau, told CNN that the streets were quiet across the capital, as worried residents stayed inside awaiting more information.

“Bissau is quiet but we don’t know what is happening near the government place… We are waiting to know more about what is happening,” Jao said.

Jao added that the power was off in homes saying: “The place is in darkness for about three or four hours. It is not something that happens normally.”

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called for an immediate end to the fighting.

“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned with the news of heavy fighting in Bissau,” said a statement on Tuesday.

Guinea-Bissau’s history has been marked by several military coups since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1974.

These conflicts have ravaged the country’s infrastructure and economy, leaving it among the poorest in the world.

Advertize With Us

See Also

Nigeria, Egypt Sign MoU To Strengthen Defence Industry Cooperation

Global Upfront

Green tea: The best time and best way to consume it

Global Upfront

Abducted Jebba Anglican Bishop, Wife, Driver Regain Freedom

Global Upfront

Take your ordeal in “good faith,” Governor Matawalle tells released Jangebe schoolgirls

Global Upfront

Lagos Court orders release of Orji Uzor Kalu, protesters besiege National Assembly, wants his seat declared vacant

Global Upfront

Having National Chairman, Presidential Candidate From North Is Unfair To Southern Nigeria, Says PDP BoT Chair, Walid Jibrin

Global Upfront

This website uses Cookies to improve User experience. We assume this is OK...If not, please opt-out! Accept Read More