The United Kingdom has condemned the recent military coup in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in Benin, raising concerns about threats to democratic governance in West Africa.
The condemnation was outlined in a statement released on Friday on the UK government’s website, titled “The UK strongly condemns the recent coup in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in Benin: UK statement at the UN Security Council.”
The coup in Guinea-Bissau followed the removal of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló after disputed elections, while in Benin, a group of soldiers briefly announced a takeover before it was swiftly thwarted by loyalist forces with support from ECOWAS. The incidents underscore growing political instability and democratic challenges across the region.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on West Africa and the Sahel, UK Minister Counsellor Jennifer MacNaughtan said the UK strongly condemns both developments, warning that such actions undermine democratic governance.
She called for a swift return to constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau, the publication of official election results, and the immediate release of political prisoners. MacNaughtan also commended the mediation efforts of ECOWAS and the African Union.
Addressing security concerns, she stressed the importance of regional cooperation in tackling transnational threats such as terrorism, organised crime, and climate change, which continue to destabilise communities and weaken governance. She welcomed progress towards a regional standby force, efforts to build on the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and increased engagement between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
MacNaughtan also welcomed progress made by Cameroon and Nigeria in implementing the International Court of Justice judgment on their land and maritime boundaries, describing it as a positive example of regional cooperation enhancing security.
On humanitarian issues, she expressed deep concern over conditions in the central Sahel, noting that an estimated 12.1 million people are expected to require urgent assistance in 2026. She highlighted access challenges and bureaucratic barriers that continue to delay life-saving aid and urged efforts to ensure rapid and unhindered humanitarian access.
In closing, MacNaughtan reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting UNOWAS and regional organisations in advancing peace and security across West Africa and the Sahel.
