ECOWAS has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making bodies after the military took over power in the country.
The suspension followed an emergency virtual meeting of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) on Thursday.
The meeting was led by Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, who currently heads the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State.
In its statement, ECOWAS said the action was taken based on its Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. The suspension will remain until the country returns to full constitutional rule.
The coup happened on Wednesday, just three days after Guinea-Bissau held presidential and legislative elections. The soldiers stopped the electoral process, closed the borders, and blocked the release of official results.
ECOWAS condemned the takeover, calling it unacceptable that several people—including President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who was likely to win the election—were arrested.
“The MSC strongly condemns the coup of November 26, 2025, and demands the immediate restoration of constitutional order,” the communiqué read.
The regional body also rejected any move to legitimize the coup or weaken the democratic rights of the people. It demanded the release of all detained political leaders, electoral officials, and others arrested.
ECOWAS insisted that the electoral commission must be allowed to announce the results of Sunday’s election without interference.
However, despite pressure, the coup leaders have appointed the army chief of staff, General Horta N’Tam, as transitional head of state for one year.
