Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Goodluck Jonathan, has warned dissident soldiers, who allegedly attacked the military formation in Guinea Bissau against unconstitutional change of government for whatever reason they may advance.
Jonathan said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, that the situation was more worrisome due to the absence of President Malam Bacai Sanha, who was in France for medical treatment but insisted that no matter the situation, constitutional order of the country must be respected.
“However, reports indicate that they are not unconnected with agitation for pay rise and rivalry within the military hierarchy. This development, which comes on the heels of the absence of the democratically elected President, Mr. Malam Bacai Sanha, from the country for medical treatment in Paris, France, is unacceptable.
“ECOWAS condemns unequivocally any actions that could destabilise Guinea-Bissau and threaten the peace and security of the West African sub-region as a whole,” he said.
“Mindful of its Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance that prohibits unconstitutional change of government, ECOWAS calls on the people and the Armed Forces of the country to refrain from any action that is capable of endangering the constitutional order, rule of law and democratic institutions of Guinea-Bissau,” he said.