A high-level Senegalese delegation, composed of Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang and Minister of the Armed Forces General Birame Diop, arrived in Bissau on Sunday for an official visit. The visit comes amidst a severe political crisis in Guinea-Bissau, triggered by the suspension of the electoral process and the declaration of a military-led transition.
The delegation was received at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport by Guinea-Bissau’s Foreign Minister, Joao Bernardo Vieira. Following the arrival, the ministers held talks with the transitional President, General Horta Ntam.
Dakar has adopted a pragmatic and moderate stance on the situation. Minister Niang, in a televised interview on December 16th, stated that Senegal condemns the coup and calls for the restoration of constitutional order and the resumption of the electoral process. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko also denounced what he termed a “conspiracy,” emphasizing the need to respect constitutional legitimacy.
While initially opposed to a year-long transition, Niang clarified that Senegal has accepted this proposal “within a specific framework,” citing diplomatic realism. This position contrasts with the more stringent stance adopted by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Minister highlighted the geographic and security ties between southern Senegal and northern Guinea-Bissau, emphasizing that solutions must originate from the countries directly concerned. The meeting between the Senegalese delegation and General Ntam underscores Senegal’s commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The political crisis remains unresolved. Opposition figure Domingos Simões Pereira remains imprisoned, while Fernando Dias da Costa, who declared victory in the elections, has sought refuge in the Nigerian embassy in Bissau. Ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló was released after a brief detention and transferred to Senegal before relocating to the Republic of Congo.
ECOWAS has rejected the timeline for the transition proposed by the military, asserting that the November 23rd elections were “free, transparent, and peaceful,” according to its observer mission and other international partners. The organization has demanded the immediate release of political prisoners and the formation of a short, inclusive transitional government. The situation remains fluid, with regional actors actively seeking a path towards stability and democratic governance in Guinea-Bissau.