Abuja — ECOWAS has learnt with dismay and serious concern about reports of on-going attempts at destabilization by a section of the military in Guinea Bissau and wishes to condemn them in no uncertain terms as well as warn those responsible of a robust response and dire consequences from ECOWAS and the entire international community.

The timing of the current acts of indiscipline by the military could not have been any worse, coming at a time when the successful presidential election of July 2009 has created the required environment for ECOWAS and the international community to engage the Government and people of Guinea Bissau in the efforts to stabilize the security environment, strengthen the democratic and national reconciliation processes, and initiate far-reaching security sector, social and economic reforms.

ECOWAS is therefore watching the developments in the country very closely and will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to defend the democratic gains and maintain stability in the country. In the meantime, it calls on the population to remain calm while efforts are being made to restore normality. ECOWAS urges the AU and the UN to also view this latest act by the military as an opportune moment to scale-up our joint efforts to stabilize the political, security and economic situation in the country.