The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has placed Guinea-Bissau on suspension from the regional bloc, pending the reinstatement of constitutional rule.
In a communique released on Thursday following an emergency virtual summit, the bloc addressed the political situation in the country.
Military officers had earlier announced a coup on November 26, halted the electoral process, and declared themselves in control “until further notice”, just as the nation awaited election results.
The takeover followed weeks after authorities claimed to have foiled a coup attempt ahead of campaign activities.
Observation teams from the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) criticised the interruption, emphasising that top candidates had pledged to respect voters’ decisions.
Following the seizure of power, the president Umaro Embaló — who is seeking re-election — was detained alongside cabinet members including the interior minister, deputy chief of staff, and armed forces chief of staff.
ECOWAS, in its communique, demanded the immediate release of all officials.
“The MSC decides, in accordance with the provisions of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance 2001 (A/SP/12/01), to suspend Guinea-Bissau from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies until the restoration of full and effective constitutional order in the country,” the statement said.
A high-level mediation team has been appointed consisting of Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe, Jose Neves of Cabo Verde, and Senegal’s President Bassirou Faye to engage coup leaders and drive efforts toward democratic restoration.
The bloc also urged the military to return to their constitutional duties and withdraw to the barracks.