By Ajewole Joshua|ABNews| November 28, 2025
ABUJA — In a statement obtained by ABNews, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned in strong terms the coup d’état in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, calling for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order.
According to the communique issued after an Extraordinary Virtual Session of the Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the level of Heads of State and Government on 27 November 2025, the meeting was chaired by President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.
The session brought together several West African leaders, including President Jose Maria Pereira Neves of Cabo Verde, President John Mahama of Ghana, President Joseph Boakai of Liberia, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, and Vice President Tiemoko Meyliet Koné of Côte d’Ivoire. Top ministers and representatives from Benin, The Gambia, and Togo were also present.
Also in attendance were key regional and international figures, including ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative, Leonardo Santos Simão. Guinea-Bissau’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Carlos Pinto Pereira, and ECOWAS Special Envoy on Terrorism, Baba Kamara, also participated.
The MSC expressed grave concern over the unfolding political crisis, particularly as it occurred shortly after Bissau-Guineans demonstrated strong democratic commitment during the 23 November 2025 presidential and parliamentary elections.
In its statement, ECOWAS “condemned in the strongest terms the coup d’état perpetrated on 26 November 2025,” rejecting any attempt to derail the democratic process or subvert the will of the people.
The regional bloc issued several directives, including:
- Immediate restoration of constitutional order and rejection of any arrangement that legitimizes the coup.
- Unconditional release of all detained officials, including President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, electoral officials, and political figures.
- Respect for the electoral process, urging coup leaders to allow the National Electoral Commission to announce results from the 23 November polls without delay.
- Protection of citizens, holding coup leaders individually and collectively responsible for the safety of all residents and detainees.
- Guaranteed safety and evacuation of ECOWAS and international election observers.
The MSC invoked the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, announcing the suspension of Guinea-Bissau from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies until constitutional order is restored.
The bloc also mandated the Chair of the Authority to lead a high-level mediation mission to Bissau. The mission will include President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, President Pereira Neves of Cabo Verde, and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, alongside the ECOWAS Commission President.
The ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) has been directed to continue safeguarding national institutions. The bloc further called on the Guinea-Bissau Armed Forces to return to the barracks and uphold their constitutional responsibilities.
ECOWAS reaffirmed that it remains fully seized of the situation and is prepared to apply all measures and sanctions under its protocols against any individuals or entities found culpable in disrupting the electoral process.
ABNews will continue to monitor developments as more details emerge.
