ECOWAS Places Guinea-Bissau on Immediate Suspension After Failed Military Takeover

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its governing bodies following the attempted military coup that rocked the country over the weekend.

The decision was reached during an emergency meeting of regional leaders, who condemned the fresh wave of instability and warned that unconstitutional changes of government would no longer be tolerated across West Africa.

According to ECOWAS, the suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in place until democratic order is fully restored and the country provides clarity on the attempted power grab, which saw gunfire around key government facilities in Bissau.

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Guinea-Bissau, led by President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, has struggled with recurring political crises over the years, making this latest unrest a troubling reminder of the nation’s fragile state institutions.

In its statement, ECOWAS expressed deep concern over the “alarming escalation of military interference,” stressing that such actions undermine regional peace efforts and derail ongoing democratic reforms.

“The Authority strongly condemns the attempted overthrow of a democratically elected government and has therefore decided to suspend the Republic of Guinea-Bissau from all ECOWAS decision-making councils,” the communiqué read.

The bloc also announced the deployment of a fact-finding mission to assess the security situation and engage with Guinea-Bissau’s political actors.

International partners, including the African Union and the United Nations, have also expressed worry over the unfolding events, urging restraint and dialogue to prevent further instability.

Residents in Bissau remain tense, with many businesses and government buildings operating under tight security. Analysts fear that if not contained, the crisis may spill over and worsen insecurity in the region.

As ECOWAS intensifies diplomatic pressure, the future of Guinea-Bissau’s political landscape remains uncertain.