ECOWAS mission leaves Guinea-Bissau amid rising tensions with President Sissoco Embaló

After a seven-day mission in Guinea-Bissau, the ECOWAS delegation, led by Ambassador Babatunde O. Ajisomo, Chief of Mission Adviser, and Serigne Mamadou Ka, an electoral expert from the ECOWAS Commission, departed the country in the early hours of March 1. Their exit followed alleged threats from President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, further escalating political tensions.

The delegation, a joint effort between ECOWAS and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), met with President Embaló upon arrival.

They also held consultations with various stakeholders, including government authorities, political actors, electoral management bodies, civil society representatives, and international partners.

However, controversy arose when the delegation engaged with opposition figures and called for the reinstatement of the National Assembly, which President Embaló dissolved in December 2023, citing an attempted coup.

This move intensified political friction, as opposition parties have been contesting the extension of Embaló’s mandate for an additional nine months beyond its official term.

While the president recently announced that presidential and legislative elections would be held on November 30, the opposition continues to challenge the legitimacy of his extended rule.

With no significant progress achieved, the ECOWAS delegation has now returned, preparing to submit a detailed roadmap to the ECOWAS Commission. The issue is expected to be a key agenda item at the upcoming ECOWAS summit in June.

This political standoff places Guinea-Bissau at a critical juncture, with regional stability at stake. The international community will be closely monitoring the developments leading up to the proposed elections.

Titi KEITA