The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making organs following a military takeover in the country.
The suspension was announced after an emergency virtual meeting of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) on Thursday, chaired by Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, who also leads the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
In a statement, the MSC said the suspension was in line with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001) and would remain in effect until full constitutional order is restored.
The coup occurred on Wednesday, three days after the country held contentious presidential and legislative elections. Military officers halted the electoral process, closed the nation’s borders, and prevented the release of official results.
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ECOWAS condemned the takeover and described the detention of several individuals, including incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, widely projected to win the election, as unacceptable.
“The MSC condemns in the strongest terms the coup d’état perpetrated on 26 November 2025 and calls for the immediate restoration of constitutional order,” the statement said.
The regional bloc rejected any arrangement that would legitimize the disruption of the democratic process or undermine the will of the people.
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It demanded the immediate release of all detained political figures, including President Embaló and electoral officials, and urged that the electoral commission be allowed to announce the results of Sunday’s vote without interference.
Despite regional pressure, the coup leaders appointed Army Chief of Staff General Horta N’Tam as transitional head of state for a one-year period.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
