President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined other West African leaders on Thursday, November 27, in an urgent virtual summit aimed at addressing the rapidly unfolding political crisis in Guinea-Bissau following a sudden military takeover. The meeting was convened to coordinate a regional response and ensure stability amid fears of further political unrest in the country.
Military Seizes Control in Guinea-Bissau
On Wednesday, November 26, a group of military officers in Guinea-Bissau claimed full control of the country amid a highly disputed presidential election. Both leading candidates had declared victory in the closely contested polls, triggering tensions that the military cited as justification for their intervention.
According to reports, the military announced the suspension of the electoral process, imposed an overnight curfew, and closed all land, air, and sea borders. They made their declaration on national television, identifying themselves as the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order,” as reported by Al Jazeera. The sudden move sparked widespread concern among citizens, international observers, and regional organizations about the potential derailment of the democratic process in the country.
Transitional Government Appointed
Following the coup, the military installed General Horta Nta Na Man as the head of a transitional government, which is set to administer the country for the next year. During the takeover, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo was reportedly arrested, further heightening fears of political instability and uncertainty over the nation’s democratic future.
The transitional government is tasked with managing the country until a resolution to the political impasse can be achieved, but the move has been met with widespread condemnation from both regional and international stakeholders, who view the takeover as a serious threat to constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau.
ECOWAS Leaders Respond
In reaction to the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened an extraordinary virtual summit to coordinate diplomatic action and assess measures to restore constitutional order. President Tinubu, who recently concluded his two-term tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, attended the meeting from Abuja. Leadership of the bloc has now passed to Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio.
The summit aimed to ensure a swift and unified response to the unfolding crisis, with discussions focusing on safeguarding the democratic process, preventing further military interventions, and coordinating potential sanctions or diplomatic pressures to compel the transitional military government to adhere to constitutional norms.
Tinubu Calls for Unity and Swift Action
During the summit, President Tinubu stressed the need for decisive measures and regional solidarity, emphasizing that West African nations must collectively act to prevent the erosion of democratic principles. He stated, “ECOWAS must act decisively to restore constitutional order and protect the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau.” His remarks highlighted the urgency and importance of a coordinated response to the coup to maintain regional stability and public confidence in governance.
Commitment to Democracy and Regional Stability
The summit concluded with ECOWAS member states pledging to closely monitor developments in Guinea-Bissau, engage in diplomatic initiatives, and implement coordinated strategies to restore constitutional governance. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, regional stability, and the protection of citizens’ rights, recognizing that preventing future military takeovers is critical to sustaining peace in West Africa.
Participants emphasized the importance of continued dialogue, collaboration with international partners, and proactive measures to ensure that Guinea-Bissau returns to democratic rule while deterring similar actions in neighboring countries. The summit underlined the bloc’s dedication to promoting good governance, preventing political crises, and safeguarding the democratic aspirations of all West African citizens.