President Bio Leads ECOWAS High-Level Mission to Guinea-Bissau

ECOWAS Chairman and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio has led a high-level ECOWAS mission to Guinea-Bissau as part of efforts to support political stability and the return of civilian rule in the country.

His visit is in line with the communiqué of the 68th ECOWAS Summit and involved direct engagement with Guinea-Bissau’s High Military Command, led by Major-General Horta Inta-a.

President Bio’s Visit to Guinea-Bissau

Image: President Bio welcomed by Guinea-Bissau forces

President Bio was joined by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal and ECOWAS Commission President Dr Omar Alieu Touray.

According to President Bio, discussions with the military leadership were constructive and focused on the political transition process in Guinea-Bissau. 

He reiterated ECOWAS’ position, calling for a short transition period led by an inclusive government that reflects the country’s full political spectrum and wider society.

“Our discussions were constructive, and I reiterated the Authority’s call for a short transition led by an inclusive government reflecting Guinea-Bissau’s political spectrum and society, ” President Bio said.

Guinea-Bissau Coup

Image: Guinea-Bissau coup leaders

In November 2025, Guinea-Bissau plunged into political turmoil after military officers seized power, days after a closely contested presidential election and hours before official results were due to be announced. 

Military troops, initially led by Brigadier General Dinis Incanha, declared they had taken “total control” of the country and established a “High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order,” effectively suspending the electoral process, dissolving political institutions, and closing borders.  

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who had been seeking a rare second consecutive term amid a tightly contested vote, was deposed and detained, and later flew to Senegal after his release.  

ECOWAS Intervention

Image: ECOWAS high-level delegation led by President Bio

Guinea-Bissau currently remains under military rule, with the election process suspended and political institutions shut down. 

ECOWAS suspended Guinea-Bissau’s membership and called for immediate return to a civilian constitutional order. 

The African Union has also condemned the coup and suspended the country from its activities until democratic governance is restored. 

ECOWAS mediators, including President Bio’s mission, continue to engage with the junta in efforts to return the West African nation to civilian rule.