ECOWAS has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making bodies following the November 26 military coup that derailed the country’s electoral process and threw its already fragile democracy into turmoil.
The regional bloc announced the decision after an Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, held virtually on Thursday night.
The meeting presided over by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio brought together leaders and representatives from Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Senegal, and Cabo Verde, alongside officials from the African Union, the United Nations, and Guinea-Bissau’s foreign ministry.
ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray delivered a comprehensive briefing on the unfolding crisis. West African leaders unanimously condemned the military takeover, describing it as a direct assault on the will of the people expressed in the November 23 polls. They commended Bissau’s citizens for maintaining calm despite heightened tensions.
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In its communiqué, ECOWAS demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained officials, including President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and electoral staff. The bloc further ordered coup leaders to allow the National Electoral Commission to resume its work and conclude the announcement of election results without interference.
The regional body warned that those behind the coup would be held personally accountable for the safety of citizens, public property, and all detainees. It also directed the military authorities to guarantee secure access and movement for international observers and diplomats.
Guinea-Bissau will remain suspended until constitutional order is fully restored. A high-level mediation mission, led by the current ECOWAS chair and including the presidents of Togo, Cabo Verde, and Senegal, is expected to travel to Bissau to engage the military leadership.
ECOWAS reiterated that it reserves the right to impose sanctions or invoke additional measures as permitted under its protocols should the junta fail to comply.
