The United Nations Integrated Peace-Building Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) is calling on the government to follow “due process” after the West African nation launched an investigation into a suspected coup attempt.

Dozens of military officers and civilians have been arrested.

UNIOGBIS spokesman Vladimir Monteiro said the world body is also calling on the military to respect the rule of and civilian leadership. Military factions battled each other in the capital, Bissau, Monday after rebel soldiers raided an armory and stormed the armed forces headquarters in the city.

While briefing members of the international community, Monteiro said Guinea Bissau’s foreign minister,  Adelino Mano Queta, did not name those arrested in connection with the army unrest.

“The minister informed us that some military people have been arrested and some civilians [but] didn’t provide their identities saying that investigation will be carried out,” said Monteiro.

Many observers described the incident as an attempted coup after Prime Minister Carlos Gomes sought refuge at a foreign embassy following the confrontation.

The government denies the coup attempt[...]

[Published in AidNews - Read the original article]