ECOWAS suspends Guinea-Bissau over coup

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Guinea-Bissau from its decision-making bodies over a coup in the West African country.

ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) announced the suspension after an emergency meeting on Thursday night.

“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 MSC stated.

Military officers took over power in Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, about three days after the country’s disputed presidential and legislative elections.

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The officers immediately suspended the nation’s electoral process and closed its borders. They also stopped the announcement of the election results.

The MSC, however, condemned the coup, faulting the arrest of persons including President Umaro Embalo, who had been favoured to win last Sunday’s election.

“The MCS rejects any arrangements that perpetuate the illegal abortion of the democratic process and the subversion of the will of the people of Guinea Bissau,” it added.

The Star