A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, arrived in Guinea-Bissau to engage with military leaders after a coup on November 26. The coup followed a highly disputed presidential election, where both leading candidates declared victory amid allegations of electoral manipulation and drug-related interference. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló was ousted and fled to Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, while General Horta Inta-a took over as head of a transitional government, appointing a cabinet mainly consisting of allies of the deposed president.
In response to the coup, ECOWAS suspended Guinea-Bissau’s participation in its decision-making processes, demanding an immediate return to democratic governance. The military regime, meanwhile, imposed restrictions on public demonstrations and ordered public institutions to resume standard operations.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the coup, stressing the violation of democratic norms and calling for the release of arrested political figures. This coup is part of a troubling pattern in Guinea-Bissau, which has experienced repeated political instability since gaining independence over fifty years ago. Additionally, the country suffers from widespread poverty and is a significant transit point for drug trafficking, exacerbating its crises.
As ECOWAS engages with the military leadership, the international community is closely monitoring developments, advocating for a peaceful solution and a restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau. The situation reflects ongoing challenges the nation faces in its quest for stable governance amid persistent socio-economic issues.
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