Why ECOWAS Suspended Guinea-Bissau to Engage Coup Leaders

ECOWAS has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its activities after the military staged a coup and disrupted the country’s democratic process. The suspension will remain in place until full constitutional order is restored.

This decision came after an emergency meeting of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, where leaders expressed strong concern about the political crisis. 

They condemned the coup and rejected any attempt to undermine the results of the presidential and parliamentary elections held on 23 November 2025.

ECOWAS also called for the immediate release of all civilian officials detained by the military, including President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and election officers. 

The bloc said the military must guarantee the safety of citizens and allow election results to be announced without delay.

To resolve the crisis, ECOWAS set up a high-level Mediation Mission led by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio. The team, which includes leaders from Togo, Cabo Verde, and Senegal will travel to Guinea-Bissau to engage directly with the coup leaders and push for the return of democratic governance.

The bloc reminded the military to return to the barracks and warned that it may apply further sanctions if the crisis continues. 

ECOWAS also directed its Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau to keep protecting state institutions during this period.

In its statement, ECOWAS held the coup leaders responsible for the safety of all citizens and detainees and asked them to allow the safe movement of international election observers.

ECOWAS says it will continue to monitor the situation closely and is ready to use all measures allowed under its protocols to ensure democracy is restored in Guinea-Bissau.