ECOWAS has barred Guinea-Bissau from participating in all its decision-making activities following last week’s military takeover, demanding a swift return to constitutional governance.
The regional bloc also announced the deployment of a high-level mediation team, led by Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, to engage with the coup leaders and ensure democratic processes are restored.
The announcement came at the conclusion of an emergency session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, which brought together leaders from all member states. The council strongly condemned the military seizure of power, expressing alarm over the political instability in Guinea-Bissau and calling for the immediate release of all detained civilian officials.
ECOWAS emphasised that the National Electoral Commission must be allowed to complete the declaration of results from the November 23 presidential and parliamentary elections. Any attempts to obstruct or delay the democratic process were rejected outright, and the bloc demanded unconditional reinstatement of constitutional authority.
The mediation team includes leaders from Togo, Cabo Verde, and Senegal, alongside the ECOWAS Commission President. Their mandate is to engage the military leaders, protect lives and property, and guarantee the safe passage of international election observers.
The council further directed Guinea-Bissau’s armed forces to return to their barracks and respect their constitutional role. The ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission will continue safeguarding democratic institutions, while sanctions remain a potential response against anyone undermining the electoral and governance process.
ECOWAS stressed that coup leaders are individually and collectively responsible for the security of citizens and detainees. The regional body affirmed its ongoing commitment to monitor the situation closely until full constitutional order is re-established.