ECOWAS orders junta to restore constitutional rule in Guinea-Bissau

ECOWAS orders junta to restore constitutional rule in Guinea-Bissau

West African leaders have strongly condemned the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, ordering an immediate return to constitutional governance and suspending the country from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies.

At an emergency virtual summit on Thursday, chaired by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, Heads of State and Government from across the region warned that the November 26 coup posed a grave threat to Guinea-Bissau’s fragile democracy. The crisis erupted just days after the November 23 national elections, prompting fears of a derailed democratic process.

The meeting featured presidents of Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Senegal, Cabo Verde, and Sierra Leone, alongside Côte d’Ivoire’s vice president and senior representatives from Benin, Togo, and The Gambia. Officials from the African Union, the United Nations regional office, and Guinea-Bissau’s foreign ministry also participated.

ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray presented a detailed report on the deteriorating political situation, noting disruptions to the electoral process. Leaders commended Guinea-Bissau’s citizens for their “resilience and commitment to democracy” despite the unrest.

The Mediation and Security Council condemned “in the strongest terms” the coup d’état, insisting on the unconditional restoration of constitutional order. It rejected any arrangement that would legitimize the “illegal abortion of the democratic process.”

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ECOWAS demanded the immediate release of detained officials, including President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and senior electoral officers. Coup leaders were warned they would be held “individually and collectively responsible” for the safety of citizens and detainees.

Leaders further urged the junta to allow the National Electoral Commission to resume and complete the delayed announcement of results from the 2025 Guinea-Bissau election, stressing respect for the will of the people. Safe passage for ECOWAS and international observers was also mandated.

A high-level ECOWAS mission led by the regional chair, with the presidents of Togo, Cabo Verde, and Senegal, is expected in Bissau to engage directly with coup leaders.

The bloc also instructed the country’s armed forces to “return to barracks” and reaffirmed that the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau would continue protecting national institutions. It warned that sanctions, as provided for in ECOWAS protocols, remain an option.

The African Union and European Union issued separate statements condemning the military takeover and calling for the swift restoration of civilian rule.

Tensions have remained high following the detention of President Embalo, who was later evacuated to Dakar. The military has named army chief of staff, General Horta N’Tam, as head of a proposed one-year transition—an arrangement ECOWAS rejects.

Residents in Bissau reported heavy military presence and widespread shutdowns on Thursday as markets and public facilities remained closed.

Guinea-Bissau, which has endured multiple coups since independence in 1974, now faces yet another test of stability as regional and international pressure mounts for a return to democratic governance.

ECOWAS Orders junta to restore constitutional rule in Guinea-Bissau