West African leaders on Thursday imposed immediate suspension of Guinea-Bissau from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies, following the military takeover that occurred in the country on Wednesday.
The announcement was made in a communiqué issued after an extraordinary virtual meeting of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the level of Heads of State and Government, chaired by Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone’s President.
ECOWAS expressed deep concern over the unfolding political crisis, noting that voters had shown resilience by participating massively in the polls.
The MSC denounced what it described as the “coup d’état perpetrated on 26 November 2025” and rejected any attempt to legitimise the subversion of the people’s will.
It demanded that the coup leaders immediately allow the National Electoral Commission to release the official results of the presidential election.
The regional body also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained officials, including President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, electoral officers and other political stakeholders.
Bio condemned the coup as a blatant violation of democratic norms, stressing that the region “cannot allow the illegal abortion of a democratic process.”
He said the peoples of West Africa, especially citizens of Guinea-Bissau who recently demonstrated their commitment to democracy during the November 23 elections, deserved unwavering protection of their constitutional rights.
It placed full responsibility on the coup leaders for ensuring the safety of citizens and safeguarding both public and private property during the crisis.
ECOWAS further raised alarm over the safety of its personnel and other international observers deployed for the election.
It urged the military authorities in Bissau to guarantee their protection and to facilitate their evacuation and safe passage where necessary.
In response to the situation, the Council invoked the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance to suspend Guinea-Bissau from participating in all ECOWAS decision-making institutions until constitutional authority is restored.
To accelerate mediation efforts, the bloc mandated its Chair to lead a mission to Bissau involving Faure Gnassingbé, Togo’s President, José Maria Neves, Cabo Verde’s President , Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal’s President and Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission.
The Council urged the Guinea-Bissau Armed Forces to immediately return to their barracks and uphold their constitutional responsibilities.
It directed the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in the country to continue protecting national institutions throughout the crisis.
Reaffirming that it remains fully engaged with developments in Guinea-Bissau, ECOWAS warned that it reserves the right to activate all measures permitted under its protocols, including sanctions against individuals or groups found responsible for disrupting the electoral and democratic process.
https://businessday.ng/news/article/ecowas-suspends-guinea-bissau-after-military-takeover/
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