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ECOWAS suspends Guinea-Bissau from all decision-making bodies following the November 26 military coup.
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Coup leaders warned to restore constitutional order and release detained officials, including President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
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Regional mission planned with top West African leaders to mediate and ensure protection of citizens and international observers.
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 coup leaders of strong regional repercussions unless constitutional order is immediately restored.
The announcement followed a virtual meeting of ECOWAS leaders chaired by Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio on Thursday, after the military takeover on November 26. Bio stressed that the region cannot allow the illegal interruption of a democratic process and must act decisively to protect stability.
ECOWAS expressed deep concern over the unfolding political crisis, highlighting that citizens had voted massively in the November 23 elections, demonstrating resilience and commitment to democracy. The MSC condemned the coup “in the strongest terms” and demanded the immediate declaration of election results by the National Electoral Commission.
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The council called for the unconditional release of all detained officials, including President Embaló, electoral staff, and other political figures, and placed full responsibility for life and property on the coup leaders. ECOWAS also emphasized the safety of international personnel, ensuring secure passage for election observers.
In a major step, Guinea-Bissau was suspended from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies until full constitutional order is restored, citing the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. The bloc mandated a high-level mediation mission led by Bio, with Presidents Faure Gnassingbé (Togo), Jose Maria Neves (Cabo Verde), and Bassirou Diomaye Faye (Senegal), alongside the ECOWAS Commission president.
ECOWAS urged the Guinea-Bissau Armed Forces to return to barracks and maintain their constitutional role, while its Stabilisation Support Mission continues to protect national institutions. The bloc warned that all measures under ECOWAS protocols, including sanctions, could be applied against entities disrupting democracy.
