The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making bodies following a military takeover that has plunged the nation into fresh political uncertainty.
According to a statement from the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC), the decision was reached during an emergency virtual meeting chaired by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, who also serves as the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
“The MSC decides, in accordance with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance 2001, to suspend Guinea-Bissau from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies until the restoration of full and effective constitutional order in the country,” the communiqué said.
The coup unfolded roughly three days after Guinea-Bissau’s elections, which had already been marred by disputes.
Upon taking power, the military halted the electoral process, shut the country’s borders, and prevented the publication of official results.
ECOWAS condemned the takeover in strong terms, denouncing the arrest of several individuals, including President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who appeared poised for victory in Sunday’s polls.
“The MSC 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,” the statement continued.
“It rejects any arrangements that perpetuate the illegal interruption of the democratic process and undermine the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau.”
The regional bloc demanded the immediate release of all detained officials, including President Embaló, electoral officers, and political figures.
It also insisted that the military allow the country’s election management body to announce the true results of the vote without further obstruction.
Meanwhile, the coup leaders have installed General Horta N’Tam, the army chief of staff, as the head of a one-year transition government.
Images from Bissau showed N’Tam being sworn in as the transition leader and addressing senior military officers.
