ECOWAS Suspends Guinea Bissau After Military Coup

ECOWAS Suspends Guinea Bissau After Military Coup.
Leaders demand release of President Embalo and full return to constitutional rule.
Military appoints General N Tam as transitional leader amid rising regional

West African leaders have suspended Guinea Bissau from all decision making organs of the Economic Community of West African States following the military coup that disrupted the country’s electoral process on November 26.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the suspension came after an emergency virtual meeting held late Thursday, chaired by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, under the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council. The leaders condemned the coup, describing it as a direct attack on democracy and a grave threat to stability in the region.

The meeting received a detailed briefing from ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray, who outlined the situation in the country and the interruption of the November 23 election. Leaders commended citizens for their resilience during the polls and insisted that the electoral process must continue without interference.

The regional bloc demanded the immediate and unconditional release of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and all detained officials. The leaders also asked the coup organisers to allow the National Electoral Commission to publish the results of the November 23 election and restore constitutional order without delay.

ECOWAS announced that a high level mediation team, led by the current Chair and including the presidents of Togo, Cabo Verde, and Senegal, would travel to Bissau to meet with the military leadership. The mission is expected to press for a full return to civilian rule.

The organisation warned that coup leaders would be held responsible for the safety of all detainees and the protection of lives and property. It also directed the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea Bissau to continue safeguarding key state institutions during the crisis.

The African Union and the European Union issued similar statements condemning the coup and calling for a swift return to democratic governance.

Guinea Bissau slid into turmoil after soldiers detained President Embalo on Wednesday and halted the release of provisional results. Embalo, who was in a close contest with opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa, was later flown to Senegal where he is reported to be safe.

The military has since appointed General Horta N Tam, the army chief of staff, to lead a one year transitional government. Reports from Bissau on Thursday showed heavy military presence on major streets and widespread closure of markets.