The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a hardline stance against the sudden overthrow of democratic order in Guinea-Bissau,
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a hardline stance against the sudden overthrow of democratic order in Guinea-Bissau, condemning Wednesday’s coup and demanding the immediate reinstatement of constitutional rule.
The decision was reached during an extraordinary virtual session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the level of Heads of State and Government on November 27, 2025.
The emergency meeting, chaired by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, was convened amid rising tension in Guinea-Bissau, only four days after citizens went to the polls in a highly anticipated presidential and parliamentary elections.
The polls had been touted as a critical test for the fragile West African state, which has been plagued for decades by military interference and political instability.
High-Level Participation in Crisis Talks
The virtual summit drew participation from several heads of state within the region, underscoring the seriousness of the crisis.
Among attendees were President John Mahama, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and Cabo Verde’s President Jose Maria Neves. Top-level representatives from Benin, The Gambia, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire also joined the discussions.
Officials from key continental and international bodies—including the African Union Commission, the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and ECOWAS Election Observer Mission—were also present, reflecting the broader international concern surrounding Guinea-Bissau’s democratic setback.
Unfolding Crisis After Historic Elections
According to the ECOWAS Commission’s report presented at the session, the coup unfolded at a moment when Bissau-Guineans had shown renewed commitment to democracy by participating peacefully in the November 23 elections.
The elections were expected to mark a turning point in the country’s democratic consolidation after years of political tension.
But on November 26, a faction of the armed forces seized power, detaining President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, election officials, and several political figures, effectively disrupting the electoral process before results could be declared.
ECOWAS said it is “deeply concerned” by what it described as a blatant subversion of the will of the people.
In its communique, the MSC condemned the coup “in the strongest terms,” rejecting any attempt to legitimize what the bloc called an illegal interruption of democratic governance.
The Council demanded that the coup leaders allow the National Electoral Commission to announce the official election results without further delay.
Additionally, ECOWAS called for the immediate and unconditional release of President Embaló and all detained officials, warning coup leaders that they bear full responsibility for the safety and property of citizens and detainees.
Guinea-Bissau Suspended, High-Level Mediation Mission Announced
Invoking its 2001 Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, ECOWAS announced the suspension of Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making bodies until constitutional rule is restored.
The bloc also ordered its Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to continue safeguarding state institutions.
To hasten diplomatic engagement, the MSC mandated President Julius Maada Bio to lead a high-level mediation team to Bissau.
The mission will include Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé, Cabo Verde’s President Jose Maria Neves, Senegal’s President Diomaye Faye, and the ECOWAS Commission President.
Warnings to Coup Leaders and the Military
ECOWAS further instructed Guinea-Bissau’s armed forces to return to their barracks and uphold their constitutional duty, emphasizing that regional mechanisms—including targeted sanctions—could be activated if the coup leaders persist in undermining democracy.
The Council also demanded the safe evacuation and protection of ECOWAS election observers and other international personnel currently in Guinea-Bissau.
ECOWAS Remains on High Alert
The MSC reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring developments in Guinea-Bissau and stands ready to deploy all instruments—including diplomatic, political, and punitive measures—to ensure the restoration of civilian rule.
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