The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making bodies following a military takeover in the country.
The decision was taken by the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) during an emergency virtual meeting on Thursday, chaired by Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, who also leads the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
“The MSC decides, in accordance with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance 2001 (A/SP/12/01), to suspend Guinea-Bissau from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies until full and effective constitutional order is restored,” the council stated.
The coup occurred on Wednesday, just three days after Guinea-Bissau’s disputed presidential and legislative elections. Military officers immediately suspended the electoral process, closed the country’s borders, and halted the announcement of election results.
ECOWAS strongly condemned the takeover, particularly the detention of key officials, including President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who was leading the election results.
“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 council said. “It rejects any measures that undermine the democratic process or subvert the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau.”
The regional body has demanded that the military release all detained officials, including President Embalo, electoral officials, and other political figures, and allow the electoral commission to declare the election results without interference.
Meanwhile, the coup leaders have appointed the army’s chief of staff, General Horta N’Tam, as Guinea-Bissau’s interim leader for a one-year period.
