(MENAFN) The African Union (AU) Commission has expelled Guinea-Bissau from the continental body following a military coup that seized power days after national elections, officials announced Saturday.

The AU Peace and Security Council reached the decision during an emergency session convened to address the West African nation's constitutional crisis, according to an official communique.

Invoking AU legal frameworks, the council "decides to immediately suspend Guinea-Bissau from participating in all activities of the Union, its organs and institutions, until constitutional order is restored in the country," the statement read.

The council expressed "deep concern and strongly condemned" Wednesday's military power grab, characterizing it as "a grave obstruction to the democratic and constitutional order, which undermines vital prospects for stability, and the rule of law expressed by the people of Guinea-Bissau."

Officials "totally rejected" the unconstitutional government overthrow, branding it a "blatant violation of AU principles and normative instruments."

The council demanded Guinea-Bissau's military commanders "urgently and unconditionally" respect constitutional governance and cease interference in the nation's political processes.

Additionally, the council ordered the "immediate and unconditional" release of detained election officials, political leaders, and election participants. The country conducted presidential and parliamentary voting on November 23.

Wednesday's takeover saw Guinea-Bissau's armed forces announce complete state control, justifying the action as necessary to prevent destabilization attempts.

Political analysts noted the power seizure occurred just one day before presidential election results were scheduled for publication, emerging from intense rivalry among political factions.

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