Coup : ECOWAS takes tough action against Guinea-Bissau

West African leaders, meeting virtually on Thursday night, condemned the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau and demanded an immediate return to constitutional governance, warning that the latest upheaval poses a serious threat to the country’s fragile democratic system.

At the emergency session, the Economic Community of West African States announced that Guinea-Bissau had been suspended from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies until full constitutional order is restored.

The gathering, chaired by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, was convened at the level of Heads of State and Government following the November 26 military takeover, which came barely days after national elections held on November 23.

Presidents of Cabo Verde, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone participated, alongside Côte d’Ivoire’s vice president and senior delegates from Benin, The Gambia and Togo. Officials from the ECOWAS Commission, African Union Commission, the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel, Guinea-Bissau’s foreign minister and the ECOWAS special envoy also joined the meeting.

ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray presented a report outlining the worsening political crisis, prompting leaders to express deep concern over disruptions to the election process. Citizens were commended for their “resilience and commitment to democracy” during the polls.

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The Mediation and Security Council said it “condemns in the strongest terms the coup d’état perpetrated on 26 November 2025 and calls for the unconditional restoration of constitutional order without delay.”It further insisted that the regional bloc “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 leaders demanded that those behind the takeover allow the electoral authorities to complete their work, stressing that the organisers must “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.”

They also called for the “immediate and unconditional release of all detained officials, in particular President Umaro Sissoco Embalo as well as the electoral officials and all other political figures,” warning coup leaders that they would be held “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 bloc asked that safe passage be guaranteed for ECOWAS and international election observers. It reaffirmed its decision, in line with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, to suspend Guinea-Bissau from all decision-making bodies until order is restored.

A high-level mission led by the ECOWAS chair, and including the presidents of Togo, Cabo Verde and Senegal, is expected to travel to Bissau to “engage the leaders of the coup with a view to ensuring the full restoration of constitutional order.”

The communiqué also urged the country’s armed forces “to return to barracks and to maintain their constitutional role,” while directing the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau to continue safeguarding public institutions.

ECOWAS added that it “reserves the right to use all options” under its protocols, including sanctions, against anyone responsible for derailing the democratic process.

The African Union also denounced the coup on Thursday, calling for Embalo’s immediate and unconditional release. The European Union demanded “a swift return to the constitutional order and the resumption of the electoral process.”

Tensions have remained high since armed soldiers detained President Embalo on Wednesday and halted the announcement of provisional results. Senegalese authorities confirmed he was evacuated “safe and sound” to Dakar on Thursday aboard a military aircraft.

The coup unfolded amid a tense race between Embalo and opposition contender Fernando Dias da Costa, who told AFP he believed he had won the election and alleged the takeover was “organised by Mr Embalo.” Embalo has dismissed all allegations.

Following the putsch, the military named army chief of staff, General Horta N’Tam, to lead a one-year transition. “I have just been sworn in to lead the High Command,” N’Tam said after taking the oath at military headquarters.

Residents reported widespread shutdowns across Bissau on Thursday, with markets closed and soldiers stationed at key points, according to AFP.Guinea-Bissau has witnessed four coups and numerous attempts since gaining independence in 1974.