New york: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern over the events unfolding in Guinea-Bissau, strongly condemning the coup carried out by elements of the military against the country's constitutional order.

According to Qatar News Agency, Guterres stressed that disregarding "the will of the people who peacefully cast their vote during the 23 November general elections constitutes an unacceptable violation of democratic principles." He called for the 'immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order,' as well as the release of all detained officials, including electoral authorities, opposition leaders, and other political actors.

The UN Secretary-General urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint, uphold the rule of law, and resolve disputes through 'peaceful and inclusive dialogue and legal avenues.' He emphasized the United Nations' full support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, and the West African Forum of Wise Men aimed at protecting democracy, promoting stability, and assisting Guinea-Bissau in concluding the electoral process peacefully and swiftly returning to its democratic path.

Military officers seized power in Guinea-Bissau days earlier, overthrowing the regime of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who fled to Senegal. They suspended the presidential and legislative elections held on November 23 before the results were announced, an action condemned by numerous international and regional capitals and organizations, including the African Union, which suspended the country's membership in its bodies.