Ogona Anita
The Mediation and Security Council (MSC) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all “decision-making bodies” and warned that coup leaders would face strong regional consequences unless they restore constitutional order following Wednesday’s military takeover.
The MSC made the announcement after a virtual meeting of ECOWAS leaders chaired by Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio on Thursday, following the coup in Guinea-Bissau.
Bio cautioned that the region “cannot allow the illegal abortion of a democratic process,” insisting that ECOWAS must act decisively to defend stability. “We must stand firmly with the people of Guinea-Bissau, who only days ago demonstrated their commitment to democracy,” he said.
ECOWAS expressed “deep concern with the unfolding political crisis”, noting that citizens had shown “resilience and commitment to democracy” by voting massively in the November 23 elections.
The MSC said it “condemns in the strongest terms the coup d’état perpetrated on 26 November 2025”, rejecting any arrangement that legitimises “the subversion of the will of the people.” It demanded that coup leaders allow the National Electoral Commission to declare the election results immeiately
The Council also called for the “immediate and unconditional release of all detained officials, in particular President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, electoral officials and all other political figures.” It placed full responsibility on the coup leaders for the protection of life and property during the crisis.
