ECOWAS Suspends Guinea-Bissau After Military Coup

The West African regional bloc ECOWAS has formally suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-
making bodies following a military takeover in the country. The move follows violent upheaval and the
overthrow of the government just days after a disputed election.

On 26 November 2025, soldiers in Guinea-Bissau announced they had taken “total control” of the
country, deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, and suspended the ongoing electoral process. The
military cited threats allegedly posed by narcotraffickers and political instability as justification for the
takeover.
The coup came just days after both legislative and presidential elections — held on 23 November — and
before the official election results were scheduled to be announced. Observers who had monitored the
polls called them peaceful.

Following the coup, General Horta N’Tam (also referenced as Horta Inta-A) was installed by the junta as
transitional head of state. The new leadership announced a one-year transition period. Meanwhile, the
deposed president Embaló fled to Senegal, where his arrival was confirmed by Senegal’s foreign
ministry.
At an emergency virtual meeting held November 27, the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council
(MSC), chaired by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, condemned the coup as an “illegal abortion
of the democratic process.” The bloc described the takeover as a direct violation of the 2001 Protocol on
Democracy and Good Governance.

Immediate suspension of Guinea-Bissau from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies until “full and
effective constitutional order” is restored.
Demand for immediate and unconditional release of deposed President Embaló, detained officials,
electoral staff and political figures.
Assurance that ECOWAS and other international election observers be allowed to leave safely.
Formation of a high-level mediation mission, led by the ECOWAS chair, to travel to Bissau and initiate
dialogue with the military junta, with a view to restoring constitutional rule.

ECOWAS also warned coup leaders that they would be held “individually and collectively responsible”
for the protection of life, property, and the safety of detainees under their control.
The coup has drawn strong condemnation beyond ECOWAS. The African Union (AU) described the
takeover as a breach of democratic norms, calling for the immediate release of detained officials and
restoration of constitutional order.
Election-observation missions from ECOWAS, the AU, and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) also
condemned the coup, stressing that the November 23 elections had been conducted peacefully and that
the takeover undermined the will of the people.
In Senegal — where the deposed president has taken refuge — authorities pledged to collaborate with
ECOWAS and the AU to support efforts aimed at restoring democratic governance in Guinea-Bissau.

The coup undermines the legitimacy of recent elections and threatens long-term political stability in a
country already known for frequent power seizures.
The suspension by ECOWAS signals serious diplomatic, economic, and possibly security consequences if constitutional order is not reinstated quickly.

Guinea-Bissau stands to lose access to regional cooperation, development aid, and cross-border trade
partnerships until democracy is restored.
ECOWAS and its mediation team will engage with military leaders to negotiate a roadmap back to
civilian rule. All eyes are on Bissau as the junta’s next moves and potential resistance from political
groups, civil society, and the international community will shape the country’s path forward.

By Oyinkansola Shittu.

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