In a move to protect democracy in West Africa, ECOWAS announced plans to target supporters of the Guinea-Bissau coup with sanctions. The decision was made during the 68th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS held in Abuja on Sunday.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said the sanctions would apply to anyone obstructing efforts to restore constitutional rule. He rejected the transition plan announced by the military authorities, calling instead for a swift handover to an inclusive civilian government and the immediate release of political detainees.
Touray emphasized that dialogue remains the first approach, but sanctions would follow if engagement fails. The bloc also approved the continued presence of its military mission in Guinea-Bissau, tasked with protecting political leaders and key national institutions.
The crisis began on November 26, when soldiers loyal to Brigadier-General Dinis Incanha detained President Umaro Embaló, one day before the electoral commission was scheduled to announce the results of the November 23 presidential election. Both Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa claimed victory, prompting concerns from rights groups that the coup was aimed at undermining the democratic process.
ECOWAS and African Union observers had described the election as free and fair, making the military intervention a violation of the people’s will. To address the crisis, ECOWAS Chairman and Sierra Leone President Julius Bio will lead a high-level mission to Guinea-Bissau, while regional defense chiefs engage directly with the military authorities.
The bloc also condemned the failed coup attempt in Benin on December 7, praising the rapid response of security forces from Benin, Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone. Following the attempt, President Bola Tinubu deployed Nigerian troops and aircraft to Benin, a move later approved by the Senate. Around 200 West African troops are now in Benin to support the government.
Touray additionally expressed concern over statements by former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, warning that his comments from exile could destabilize the country despite his asylum agreement.
On a positive note, ECOWAS welcomed progress in Guinea (Conakry), endorsing the transitional process and supporting elections scheduled for December 28, with observers set to monitor the vote.
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