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ECOWAS Rejects Guinea-Bissau Junta Plan, Threatens Targeted Sanctions

The bloc pivots to a more assertive posture, pairing high-level engagement with economic steps to bolster regional cohesion.

Presidents and representatives address the media and delegates during the opening of the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, December 14, 2025. REUTERS/Marvellous Durowaiye
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima Mustapha, ECOWAS Chairman and Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio and ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray stand during the national anthem at the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, December 14, 2025. REUTERS/Marvellous Durowaiye
ECOWAS heads of state and representatives pose for a group photograph during the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, December 14, 2025. REUTERS/Marvellous Durowaiye
Delegates and ambassadors attend the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, December 14, 2025. REUTERS/Marvellous Durowaiye

Overview

  • Leaders demanded a swift return to constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and the immediate release of all political detainees.
  • The ECOWAS chair was tasked to lead a high-level delegation to Bissau for direct talks with the Military High Command.
  • ECOWAS, the African Union and Lusophone observers had deemed the November 23 elections free and transparent, reinforcing the bloc’s position.
  • Leaders highlighted a more proactive security stance, pointing to Nigeria’s rapid support to loyalist forces during Benin’s failed coup attempt on December 7.
  • Beyond security, the summit endorsed measures to cut regional air-travel costs from January 2026 by abolishing air transport taxes.