West African Countries Take Major Decision on Guinea-Bissau After Hostile Military Takeover
- ECOWAS suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making bodies after military officers seized power
- The bloc condemned the arrest of President Umaro Embalo and demanded the immediate release of all detained officials
- General Horta N’Tam was appointed by the coup leaders as head of a one-year transition following the shutdown of the electoral process
ECOWAS has removed Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making organs following Wednesday’s military seizure of power.
The regional bloc reached the decision during an emergency session of its Mediation and Security Council held late Thursday, November 27.
Source: AFP
The development followed a dramatic takeover by military officers barely three days after the country’s disputed presidential and legislative elections, Channels TV reported.
Regional bloc reacts to coup
At the end of the virtual meeting chaired by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, ECOWAS announced the suspension under the provisions of its Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
The bloc said constitutional rule must return before Guinea Bissau can be reinstated.
Military officers had halted the release of election results and closed the country’s borders soon after assuming control. They also froze the electoral process and detained several officials.
ECOWAS condemns arrests and detention
The MSC criticised the arrest of President Umaro Embalo and other political figures. It said the interruption of the democratic process was unacceptable.
“The MSC condemns in the strongest terms the coup d’etat perpetrated on 26 November 2025 and calls for the unconditional restoration of constitutional order without delay,” the bloc stated.
It added that it rejected any situation that undermines the will of the people or sustains the military takeover. ECOWAS insisted that the results of the election must be announced without obstruction.
Demand for release of detained officials
The council asked the coup leaders to free all detainees immediately. It listed the president, electoral officials and other political actors among those whose release should not be delayed.
ECOWAS said the military must respect the rights of the country’s citizens and allow the electoral commission to complete its work.
Guinea-Bissau’s new authorities have appointed General Horta N’Tam as head of state for a one-year transition period. He was sworn in as leader of the High Command on Wednesday.
Nigeria reacts to Guinea-Bissau coup
Legit.ng reported that Nigeria issued a strong denunciation of the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau and demanded the immediate restoration of constitutional governance after soldiers arrested President Umaro Embalo and several officials on Wednesday, November 26, during the uprising.
Source: Twitter
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the development as a setback for the region at a moment when West Africa continues to grapple with repeated disruptions to democratic order.
A statement signed by ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa on Thursday, November 27, said the government was “dismayed” by the events, calling the coup “unfortunate” and a direct challenge to the principles underpinning regional stability.
How Nigeria foiled alleged plot to kill Obasanjo
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Nigerian government foiled a coup attempt to topple then-president Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration in April 2024.
The presidential spokesperson at the time, Remi Oyo, said “serious breaches of security” prompted an investigation into the attempted coup. Oyo said the investigation led to arrests, and nearly 30 mid-ranking officers were implicated.
In October 2024, four military officers and a civilian were charged with plotting to kill Obasanjo. The suspects planned to shoot down Obasanjo’s helicopter with a missile.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
