ECOWAS moves to sanction Guinea-Bissau coup backers

Calls for swift return to civil rule

By Kunle Sanni –

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has resolved to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and groups undermining constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau, following the military takeover that derailed the country’s electoral process.

The decision was announced on Sunday in Abuja at the end of the bloc’s 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government.

Reading the final communiqué, ECOWAS Commission President, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, said the regional body had rejected the transition programme announced by the military authorities and demanded an inclusive, civilian-led transition.

ECOWAS also called for the immediate release of all political detainees and warned that sanctions would be applied to any person or institution found obstructing efforts to restore constitutional governance.

“Failure to comply will compel the Authority to impose targeted sanctions on individuals or groups obstructing the transition process or the return to constitutional order,” Touray said, adding that dialogue would be prioritised but penalties would follow if engagement failed.

The bloc authorised the ECOWAS Military Mission in Guinea-Bissau to protect political leaders and national institutions, while Sierra Leonean President Julius Bio, the current Chair of the Authority, was mandated to lead another high-level mediation mission to Bissau. The ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff was also directed to immediately engage the military authorities.

Guinea-Bissau plunged into crisis on November 26 when soldiers loyal to Brigadier-General Dinis Incanha arrested President Umaro Embaló, a day before the electoral commission was due to announce the results of the November 23 presidential election.

The military subsequently announced it had taken full control of the country and established a transitional authority under General Horta Inta-A Na Man.