WABA Condemns West African Coups

The West African Bar Association (WABA) has issued a forceful condemnation of the recent constitutional crises in Guinea-Bissau and the Republic of Benin, warning that increasing military interference poses a serious threat to democracy, the rule of law, and regional stability.

In a press statement released on December 7, 2025, WABA described the developments as “an assault on constitutional authority” and a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions in West Africa.

The Association expressed particular concern over Guinea-Bissau, where a military intervention reportedly occurred as the results of the November 23, 2025, general elections were being collated.

Earlier in the year, WABA had condemned the autocratic tendencies of former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and called for a transitional process and free elections.

Those elections, organized under pressure from WABA, ECOWAS, and other international partners, were largely peaceful.

The sudden military action during results collation, however, drew sharp criticism. WABA described the alleged coup as suspicious and deeply troubling, noting that President Embaló himself publicly addressed the media about the events, raising questions about their true nature.

“Any seizure of power through unconstitutional means is unacceptable under all circumstances,” WABA declared, emphasizing the collective stance of the legal profession across West Africa against actions that undermine democracy and constitutional order.

The Association demanded the immediate restoration of democratic governance in Guinea-Bissau, including the publication of election results and the installation of a legitimate government.

WABA also called for the protection of political actors, civilians, journalists, electoral officials, and legal practitioners, as well as the release of all individuals unlawfully detained during the crisis.

The Association urged ECOWAS, the African Union, and the international community to take swift, coordinated diplomatic action including targeted sanctions if necessary to ensure a prompt return to constitutional order.

Judicial independence, fundamental rights, and access to justice must be safeguarded throughout the unfolding crisis, WABA stressed.

Turning to Benin, the Association condemned a recent attempted military coup, describing it as “most condemnable and out rightly unacceptable,” even as it welcomed the plot’s failure.

WABA praised the Beninese armed forces for thwarting the attempt and singled out the Nigerian government for providing decisive support.

According to WABA, the Nigerian Air Force played a critical role in neutralizing fleeing coup plotters and preventing the situation from escalating.

The Association commended Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for authorizing military assistance to Benin under the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to regional security and defense of democratic institutions.

“The timely support restored normalcy and prevented a dangerous slide into instability,” WABA said, also acknowledging the role of other regional and international partners in safeguarding constitutional order in Benin.

WABA called on Beninese authorities to conduct a transparent investigation, ensure due process, and uphold human rights in all related proceedings.

The Association also urged ECOWAS leadership to strengthen collective security mechanisms to counter anti-democratic threats across the region.

In closing, WABA reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rule of law, democratic governance, and human rights throughout West Africa.

The Association pledged to monitor developments in Guinea-Bissau closely and to collaborate with regional and international partners to restore and preserve constitutional order.

With military takeovers and attempted coups resurfacing in the sub-region, WABA’s message was clear: democracy cannot be negotiated at gunpoint.

Constitutional rule, the Association emphasized, remains non-negotiable, and West African nations must act collectively to safeguard democratic institutions.

WABA urged all stakeholders including governments, civil society, and the international community to remain vigilant and proactive against threats to democratic governance.

The Association also highlighted the importance of legal frameworks, independent judiciaries, and regional cooperation in preventing future unconstitutional power seizures.

For citizens, WABA emphasized that upholding democratic principles is a shared responsibility, and the rule of law must prevail over military intervention.

As political uncertainty unfolds in Guinea-Bissau and Benin, WABA’s intervention underscores the critical role of legal oversight and regional solidarity in defending democracy.

The West African legal community, the Association concluded, will continue to advocate vigorously for constitutional governance, human rights protection, and accountability across all member states.

WABA’s statement serves as both a warning and a call to action: military coups threaten more than borders they endanger the very foundations of democratic society.