The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, acting through the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies until a full and effective constitutional order is restored in the country.
In a virtual meeting at the level of Heads of State and Government, chaired by the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, leaders expressed deep concern over the unfolding political crisis in Guinea-Bissau.
The communiqué highlighted particular concern given that citizens had recently demonstrated resilience and commitment to democracy by participating actively in the presidential and parliamentary elections held on 23 November 2025.
The ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the coup d’état perpetrated on 26 November 2025 and called for the unconditional restoration of constitutional order without delay.
“It rejects any arrangements that perpetuate the illegal abortion of the democratic process and the subversion of the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau.”
The Council further “demands that the leaders of the coup respect the will of the people and allow the National Electoral Commission to proceed without delay with the declaration of the results of the elections of 23 November 2025.”
It stressed that coup leaders will be held responsible both individually and collectively for the protection of the lives and property of all citizens and residents of Guinea-Bissau, as well as for the security and safety of all detainees.
The Council also urged coup leaders to guarantee the safety and facilitate the evacuation and safe passage of ECOWAS and other international election observers.
“In accordance with the provisions of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance 2001 (A/SP/12/01), [the Council has decided] to suspend Guinea-Bissau from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies until the restoration of full and effective constitutional order in the country.”
The Mediation and Security Council mandated President Julius Maada Bio to lead a high-level mediation mission to Guinea-Bissau to engage coup leaders with a view to ensuring the full restoration of constitutional order.
Finally, the Council resolved to remain seized of the situation and reserved the right to employ all options provided under the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the 2012 Supplementary Act on Sanctions, including sanctions against all entities deemed culpable of disrupting the electoral and democratic process in Guinea-Bissau.
