The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched its strongest condemnation to date against the recent military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, vowing to take decisive action. The regional body has announced it will open high-level talks on the crisis this week.
An Unacceptable Assault on Democracy
During the opening of the 2025 Second Ordinary Session in Abuja on Monday, December 1, 2025, the Parliament described the coup as an unacceptable assault on democracy. The session, which also marks the institution's 25th anniversary, was dominated by the sudden political collapse in Guinea-Bissau.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the Speaker, Hadja Mémounatou Ibrahima, the First Deputy Speaker, Jibrin Barau, issued a stern rebuke. He stated that the military action blatantly violates the community's core principle of zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government.
Barau declared that ECOWAS stands resolutely with the people of Guinea-Bissau and demanded the full and immediate restoration of democratic constitutional order. He emphasized that the will of the electorate, expressed through a peaceful electoral process, must be respected.
High-Level Session Scheduled for Wednesday
In response to the escalating situation, the Parliament has scheduled a dedicated high-level session for Wednesday, December 3, 2025. This gathering will bring together parliamentarians to deliberate on the coup and formulate a coordinated regional response.
Barau's remarks signal a renewed push by ECOWAS to assert its authority. This comes at a critical time when West Africa is witnessing a troubling resurgence of military takeovers, creating a belt of instability from the Sahel to the Atlantic coast.
The Deputy Speaker confirmed that ECOWAS institutions and member state heads are aligned on considering sanctions and other diplomatic measures to reverse the unconstitutional change. He urged collective action to protect democratic gains across the sub-region.
A Threat to Regional Stability and Integration
Barau framed the coup not merely as a domestic crisis but as an event with destabilizing ripple effects across West Africa. He noted that the region is already grappling with multiple challenges:
- Persistent insecurity and terrorism
- Severe economic strain
- Fragile political transitions
- Climate-related shocks
The crisis in Guinea-Bissau serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to political shocks. Barau used the occasion to call for deeper regional integration, stronger governance frameworks, and enhanced partnerships with global institutions like the United Nations and the African Union.
"Coordinated, united action remains our best defence," Barau asserted, highlighting the need for a firm and unified stance.
While the session will also focus on the 2026 Community Budget, legislative reforms, and country reports, the political emergency in Guinea-Bissau has taken center stage. This development once again places West Africa at the heart of global discussions concerning the resilience of democratic institutions.
