The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken decisive action against Guinea-Bissau following Wednesday's military seizure of power, suspending the nation from all its decision-making bodies.
Emergency Regional Response
During an emergency session of its Mediation and Security Council held late Thursday, the regional bloc reached the critical decision to suspend Guinea-Bissau. The virtual meeting was chaired by Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio, demonstrating the high-level concern among West African leaders.
The suspension was implemented under the provisions of ECOWAS's Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, highlighting the bloc's commitment to maintaining democratic standards across the region.
Condemnation of Military Takeover
The development came in response to a dramatic military takeover that occurred barely three days after the country's disputed presidential and legislative elections. Military officers had halted the release of election results and closed the country's borders soon after assuming control.
The MSC condemned in the strongest terms the coup d'etat perpetrated on November 26, 2025 and called for the unconditional restoration of constitutional order without delay. The bloc specifically criticized the arrest of President Umaro Embalo and other political figures, describing the interruption of the democratic process as unacceptable.
Demands for Immediate Action
ECOWAS has made several clear demands to the coup leaders, including:
- Immediate release of all detained officials, including President Embalo
- Restoration of constitutional rule before Guinea-Bissau can be reinstated
- Respect for the rights of the country's citizens
- Allowance for the electoral commission to complete its work
- Announcement of election results without obstruction
The council explicitly rejected any situation that undermines the will of the people or sustains the military takeover, emphasizing that constitutional rule must return before Guinea-Bissau can be reinstated to the regional body.
Meanwhile, Guinea-Bissau's new authorities have appointed General Horta N'Tam as head of state for a one-year transition period. The general was sworn in as leader of the High Command on Wednesday, following the military's shutdown of the electoral process.
The coup leaders have frozen the electoral process and detained several officials, creating uncertainty in the West African nation that has experienced multiple political crises throughout its history.
