The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making bodies following last week’s military takeover, insisting that constitutional order must be restored without delay.
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC), which brought together leaders and representatives of all member states. The regional bloc condemned the coup “in the strongest terms” and expressed grave concern over the political crisis unfolding in the country.
ECOWAS also established a high-level Mediation Mission, to be led by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, who currently chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. The mission will engage directly with the coup leaders to push for a return to democratic governance.
In its strongly worded communiqué, the MSC stated:
“The MSC expressed its deep concern with the unfolding political crisis in Guinea Bissau especially at a time when Bissau Guineans have demonstrated resilience and commitment to democracy by participating actively in the Presidential and parliamentary elections held on 23 November 2025.
“The MSC condemns in the strongest terms the coup d’etat perpetrated on 26 November 2025 and calls for the unconditional restoration of constitutional order without delay. It rejects any arrangements that perpetuate the illegal abortion of the democratic process and the subversion of the will of the people of Guinea Bissau.
“The MSC demands that the leaders of the coup respect the will of the people and allow the National Electoral Commission to proceed without delay with the declaration of the results of the elections of 23 November 2025.”
Citing the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, the Council confirmed the immediate suspension of Guinea-Bissau until “the restoration of full and effective constitutional order.”
To advance mediation efforts, ECOWAS mandated the Chair of the Authority to lead a delegation including Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé, Cabo Verde’s President José Maria Pereira Neves, and Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, alongside the President of the ECOWAS Commission.
The MSC further urged the country’s armed forces to return to the barracks and uphold their constitutional responsibilities, while directing the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to continue safeguarding national institutions.
The statement also warned that ECOWAS would consider all measures permitted under its protocols—including sanctions—against individuals or groups found culpable in disrupting the electoral process.
According to the communiqué:
“The MSC holds the leaders of the coup both individually and collectively responsible for the protection of life and property of all citizens and residents of Guinea Bissau and for the security and safety of all detainees.
“The MSC calls on the leaders of the coup to guarantee the safety and facilitate the evacuation and safe passage of ECOWAS and all other international election observers.”
ECOWAS also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees, including President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, electoral officers, and other detained political figures.
The bloc reaffirmed that it “remains seized of the situation” and will continue to monitor developments closely as it pushes for the full restoration of democratic rule.
