ECOWAS Suspends Guinea-Bissau, Initiates Talks with Coup Leaders

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its activities following the Military coup that disrupted the Country’s democratic process. The regional bloc has also established a high-level Mediation Mission, led by ECOWAS Chair and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, to engage directly with the coup leaders.

The decision came at an emergency session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC), attended by leaders from all member states. In a communiqué released after the meeting, ECOWAS strongly condemned the coup and expressed deep concern over the political turmoil unfolding in Guinea-Bissau.

The Council called for the immediate release of all detained civilian leaders and urged military authorities to ensure the safety and free movement of citizens and international observers.

“The MSC expresses its deep concern over the unfolding political crisis in Guinea-Bissau, particularly after the people demonstrated resilience and commitment to democracy during the Presidential and parliamentary elections on 23 November 2025,” the statement read.

It added: “The MSC condemns in the strongest terms the coup d’état of 26 November 2025 and calls for the unconditional restoration of constitutional order without delay. Any actions that undermine the democratic process or subvert the will of the people are completely unacceptable.”

The Council further demanded that the coup leaders respect the will of the electorate and allow the National Electoral Commission to proceed with announcing the official results of the recent elections.

Under the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001), Guinea-Bissau has been suspended from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies until full constitutional order is restored.