Abuja, Nigeria - The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Wednesday expressed 'grave concern' over Monday's attacks on the headquarters of the Armed Forces of Guinea Bissau by dissident troops. In a statement made available to PANA here, ECOWAS Chairman and Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan condemned unequivocally any actions that could destabilize Guinea-Bissau and threaten the peace and security of the West African sub-region as a whole.

The statement said while the reasons for this unfortunate situation are yet to be fully ascertained, 'reports indicate that they are not unconnected with agitation for pay rise and rivalry within the military hierarchy'. 

'This development, which comes on the heels of the absence of the democratically-elected President, Mr. Malam Bacai Sanha, from the country, on medical treatment in Paris, France, is unacceptable,' the ECOWAS Chair said, warning against any action that could endange the constitutional order, rule of law and democratic institutions of Guinea-Bissau.

The latest crisis in the West African nation started Monday, when the dissidents attacked the army headquarters.

Though no one was killed in the initial clash, the renegade troops seized weapons, the army said.

The army chief later said naval chief Jose Americo Bubo Na Tchuto, who had earlier been accused of coup plans, had been arrested over the attacks.

Pana 29/12/2011