ABUJA, NIGERIA — The West African Bar Association (WABA) has strongly condemned the recent military coup in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, warning that the growing wave of unconstitutional seizures of power poses a grave threat to democracy, the rule of law, and regional stability in West Africa.
In a press statement issued Wednesday December 17, 2025, WABA described the developments as a direct assault on constitutional order and democratic governance, stressing that military incursions into politics cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Guinea-Bissau: ‘An Unacceptable Power Grab’
WABA expressed particular concern over the situation in Guinea-Bissau, noting that the coup occurred while results from the November 23, 2025 general elections were still being collated.
The Association recalled that it had earlier condemned the anti-democratic tendencies of former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and had joined calls by ECOWAS and other stakeholders for a transitional process and credible elections — demands that led to the conduct of the November polls.
“Sadly, at the advanced stage of a widely reported peaceful electoral process, the military struck,” Acting President Cllr. Bornor Varmah said, describing the coup as “surreptitiously orchestrated,” especially given that President Embaló personally announced the takeover and addressed the media afterward.
WABA declared that any seizure of power by unconstitutional means is “totally unacceptable” and demanded the immediate restoration of democratic governance in Guinea-Bissau.
The Association called for:
•The immediate release of election results and inauguration of the duly elected government;
•The unconditional release of all unlawfully detained citizens, including politicians, legal practitioners, journalists, electoral officials, and civil society actors;
•The protection of civilians, political actors, and members of the legal profession;
•The safeguarding of judicial independence and fundamental human rights; and
•Swift, coordinated action by ECOWAS, the African Union, and the international community, including targeted sanctions where necessary.
Benin: WABA Applauds Foiled Coup, Regional Response:
WABA also condemned the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, describing it as another dangerous attempt to undermine democratic order in the sub-region.
The Association commended the Beninese Armed Forces for thwarting the plot and praised the Nigerian Government for providing military support in line with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
West African Bar Association specifically lauded Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for authorizing Nigeria’s intervention, noting that the timely assistance — including support from the Nigerian Air Force — helped neutralize the fleeing coup plotters and prevent a wider crisis.
The Statement signed by WABA Acting President Bornor Varmah, said “the intervention reflects Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to regional security cooperation and the defense of democratic institutions.”
WABA urged Beninese authorities to conduct a transparent investigation, respect due process, and protect human rights in handling the aftermath of the incident, while calling on ECOWAS to remain vigilant against anti-democratic threats.
‘Democracy Must Be Defended’
In its conclusion, WABA reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rule of law and democratic governance across West Africa.
“The legal profession stands firmly against all actions that undermine democracy, constitutional authority, and fundamental rights,” the Association said, pledging to continue working with regional and international partners to restore constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and safeguard democratic stability in the region.
