ECOWAS rejects Guinea-Bissau military’s transition plan, demands immediate civilian rule

By: Chidozie Nwali

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) delivered a decisive blow to the military junta in Guinea-Bissau, unequivocally rejecting its proposed one-year transition plan and demanding an immediate return to constitutional order under a civilian-led government. ECOWAS said on Sunday.

The strong condemnation came in the wake of the November 26 military coup that overthrew President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, plunging the fragile nation into renewed political instability.

Meeting in an emergency summit in Abuja, ECOWAS leaders reiterated their “zero tolerance” policy for unconstitutional changes of government, declaring the military’s seizure of power a blatant subversion of democratic principles.

The coup, which saw Major-General Horta Inta-a installed as interim president and the establishment of a National Transitional Council, halted the official announcement of results from the November 23 general election, widely praised by international observers as free and fair.

The bloc firmly rejected the military’s proposed one-year transition led by a military figure, insisting instead on a significantly shorter period managed by an inclusive civilian government. This demand underscores ECOWAS’s commitment to democratic governance and its unwillingness to legitimize military rule.

ECOWAS called for the immediate and unconditional release of all political detainees, most notably deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and key electoral officials. Their continued detention is seen as a serious violation of human rights and an impediment to any legitimate political dialogue.

ECOWAS said that it would impose “targeted sanctions” on individuals and groups identified as obstructing the restoration of constitutional rule. This move signals the regional body’s readiness to exert economic and political pressure to ensure compliance.

“What ECOWAS leaders have resolved to do, is to ensure that there is zero tolerance for unconstitutional change of government.”  Omar Touray, president of the ECOWAS Commission said.

Guinea-Bissau’s coup is the ninth in West and Central Africa in five years, deepening concerns over democratic backsliding in Africa already grappling with high insecurity and political instability.

Guinea-Bissau has a turbulent history marked by frequent coups and political instability since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. The recent coup is the latest in a series of setbacks for the West African nation, which has struggled to establish stable democratic institutions.

The November 23 election was seen as a crucial step towards consolidating democracy, making the military intervention particularly frustrating for regional and international partners.