The African Union (AU) has suspended Guinea-Bissau following a military coup that removed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló on November 26, 2025. The AU’s Peace and Security Council, adhering to its policy of “zero tolerance on unconstitutional changes of government,” resolved to suspend Guinea-Bissau from all AU activities until constitutional order is restored. This coup occurred a day before the announcement of presidential election results, intensifying the country’s political instability.
In the aftermath, Embaló fled to Senegal on a flight organized by the Senegalese government. The military established a junta led by General Horta Inta-a, which claims it will manage a one-year transition period while addressing the prevalent issue of drug trafficking, seen as a threat to Guinea-Bissau’s democracy.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also suspended Guinea-Bissau from decision-making bodies, demanding a swift return to constitutional authority and warning of potential sanctions against the military leaders. ECOWAS condemned the coup, labeling it an “illegal abortion of the democratic process,” and called for the release of all detained officials.
International organizations, including the United Nations, have denounced the coup and urged the restoration of constitutional order, expressing support for the AU and ECOWAS in their efforts to stabilize Guinea-Bissau. This nation, marked by a history of political unrest since its independence, serves as a significant transit hub for drug trafficking, which analysts note exacerbates its ongoing political challenges.
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