Abuja, Nigeria – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a stern warning, threatening targeted sanctions against any individuals or groups obstructing the return to civilian rule in Guinea-Bissau. The declaration came at the conclusion of the ECOWAS summit held in Abuja.
The threat follows the military coup in late November that ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. The coup occurred on the eve of the initial results of the presidential and legislative elections held on November 23rd. The elections saw a heated contest between the incumbent, Embaló, and his opposition rival, Fernando Diaz da Costa. The military seized control of the country, arrested the President – who later left the country – and suspended the electoral process.
ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Alieu Touray, affirmed that the organization will impose sanctions on any individuals or groups hindering the political transition. He emphasized that the ECOWAS peacekeeping force, deployed in Guinea-Bissau since 2022, is mandated to protect political leaders and national institutions.
The summit underscored a firm rejection of all forms of coups within the region. The events in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in Benin dominated the summit discussions in Abuja. The situation in Benin prompted Nigeria to deploy fighter jets and troops with French intelligence support to safeguard the civilian government.
West Africa has experienced a wave of coups since 2020, leading to the overthrow of governments in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These countries remain under military rule. In light of these events, the ECOWAS Commission President stated that the recent developments highlight the “true meaning of regional solidarity.”
