ECOWAS has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making bodies following the November 26 coup that halted the release of presidential election results.
In a virtual emergency meeting chaired by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, regional leaders condemned the takeover, warning that it threatens the nation’s fragile democratic gains.
The Mediation and Security Council reviewed a report detailing the detention of President Umaro Embaló, electoral officials, and the interruption of the vote-counting process.
The bloc demanded their immediate and unconditional release, insisting that the National Electoral Commission must complete its work without interference.
ECOWAS further held coup leaders individually responsible for the safety of citizens and pledged to deploy a high-level delegation, including the presidents of Togo, Cabo Verde and Senegal, to engage the junta.
The Council also urged soldiers to return to barracks and reaffirmed that the ECOWAS Stabilisation Mission would continue protecting key state institutions. Sanctions remain on the table.
The African Union and European Union issued separate condemnations, while Senegal confirmed Embaló had been flown out “safe and sound.” Meanwhile, the military’s appointment of General Horta N’Tam as transitional leader has deepened political uncertainty in the already volatile country.
