Africa Newsroom — Conakry, Guinea-Bissau – A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has concluded a fruitless visit to Guinea-Bissau without securing a breakthrough in talks with military coup leaders. Despite this initial setback, the bloc has vowed to continue negotiations later this month.
The ECOWAS mission, led by President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, arrived in Guinea-Bissau on Monday, December 1, 2025, to discuss the military’s recent ousting of the country’s government. The delegation aimed to persuade the coup leaders to restore constitutional order, release detained political figures, and allow the presidential election results to be published. However, following days of discussions, no agreement was reached.
ECOWAS has since condemned the military coup, suspending Guinea-Bissau from its decision-making bodies. The bloc has threatened to impose sanctions on those disrupting the democratic process. “The right of ECOWAS to use all available measures, including sanctions, to restore peace and constitutional order is reserved,” the ECOWAS Commission said in a statement.
The military’s justification for the coup is to restore security and order in Guinea-Bissau, following a controversial presidential election on November 23, 2025. Amidst disputes over the vote’s integrity, the military installed former army chief of staff Gen. Horta Inta-a as the head of a military government, promising a one-year transition period.
The political situation remains tense. Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa both claim victory, leading to his departure to the Republic of Congo. The international community has echoed ECOWAS’s disapproval, with the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also denouncing the military’s actions.
Further talks between the military and ECOWAS are scheduled for December 14. The delegation hopes to find a common ground that will allow Guinea-Bissau to return to civilian rule and complete the election process. The stakes are high, not just for Guinea-Bissau but for the region, which has long prided itself on its commitment to democracy and stability.
Analysts warn that a prolonged political stalemate could exacerbate economic challenges and deepen social divisions. The failure of the ECOWAS delegation to secure a breakthrough in the initial talks serves as a stark reminder of the complexity and urgency of the situation.
Source: Africa
