Military officers in Guinea-Bissau pose after installing General Horta N’Tam as transition leader following the November 2025 coup.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making bodies following Wednesday’s military coup that disrupted the country’s election process.
The announcement followed an emergency virtual meeting of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) on Thursday, chaired by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio.
In a statement, the MSC says the suspension aligns with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, adding that the decision will remain in place “until the restoration of full and effective constitutional order.”
READ ALSO: Nigeria, ECOWAS Condemn Military Takeover in Guinea-Bissau
Coup Disrupts Electoral Process
Military officers seized power three days after the country’s disputed presidential and legislative elections, shutting borders, suspending the electoral process, and halting the announcement of results.
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who was widely projected to win, was arrested alongside several electoral officials and political figures.
ECOWAS condemned the takeover, describing it as a “subversion of the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau,” and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees.
Bloc Rejects Any Military-Led Transition
The MSC warned that it would not recognize any arrangement that legitimizes the coup or extends military rule, stressing that the election results must be announced without delay.
New Military Leader Appointed
Despite regional pressure, the coup leaders have appointed the Army Chief of Staff, General Horta N’Tam, as transition leader for a one-year period.
ECOWAS insists that constitutional order must be restored immediately.
Guinea-Bissau remains suspended from ECOWAS pending compliance.
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