Nigeria has approved security protection for Guinea-Bissau opposition presidential candidate Fernando Dia Da Costa at its embassy in the capital Bissau, its foreign ministry said, after a disputed power shift triggered fears for his safety.
- Nigeria has deployed security protections for Guinea-Bissau opposition candidate Fernando Dia Da Costa after concerns about his safety.
- The move follows intelligence reports of threats to Mr. Da Costa during a period of political instability in Guinea-Bissau.
- Nigeria requested support from ECOWAS to enhance security measures for Mr. Da Costa at the Nigerian Embassy.
- A coup has been announced in Guinea-Bissau, with political tensions around the recently held presidential election.
President Bola Tinubu authorised the move following intelligence that Mr Da Costa’s life was under threat after last week’s political upheaval in the West African country, according to a letter from Nigeria’s foreign minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, to the head of the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS), Omar Alieu Touray.
Election dispute and security fears
Mr Da Costa is the main opposition figure in Guinea-Bissau’s recently held presidential election. His safety came into focus after the country’s incumbent president, Umaro Embaló, announced that a coup had taken place less than 24 hours before the electoral commission was due to declare the election result.
Mr Embaló, whose official term ended in February, had been seeking a second consecutive term, a first in the country in three decades. Before the coup announcement, Mr Da Costa was believed to be leading the race. The election had pitched Mr Embaló of the Madem-G15 party against Mr Da Costa of the Party for Social Renewal (PRS).
Nigeria’s request to ECOWAS
In its request to ECOWAS, Nigeria asked that regional security forces support Mr Da Costa while he remains under protection at the embassy. The letter read:
“I write to inform you that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCON, has graciously approved the provision of protection and security in the premises of the Nigerian Embassy in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, for Mr. Fernando Dia Da Costa.
“Mr President’s decision is a proactive measure to ensure the safety of Mr. Da Costa, in response to imminent threats to his life. The decision to accommodate Mr. Da Costa within the Nigerian premises underscores our firm commitment to safeguarding the democratic aspirations and the sovereign will of the good people of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
“In this regard, it would be appreciated if you would kindly mandate the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to provide him protection and security while in the premises of the Nigerian Embassy. Please, accept Dear President, the assurances of my highest consideration,” Mr Tuggar noted.
Military transition
Following the announcement of the coup, Mr Embaló’s Chief of Army Staff, Horta Inta-A, assumed power as transitional president. The newly appointed Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Tomas Djassi, is widely regarded as an ally of Mr Embaló.
Guinea-Bissau has experienced repeated political instability since independence, and the latest developments have renewed regional concern over the country’s democratic trajectory.
