The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced potential “targeted sanctions” against anyone impeding Guinea-Bissau’s return to civilian rule following a recent coup. This decision emerged during a bi-annual summit in Abuja, Nigeria, where regional leaders discussed the political turmoil in Guinea-Bissau and the failed coup attempt in Benin.
ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray highlighted that sanctions would be imposed on individuals or groups obstructing the transition process. The regional bloc also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting political leaders and institutions in Guinea-Bissau, where a peacekeeping force has been deployed since 2022.
The summit was arranged prior to the recent coup attempts, but both were primary subjects of discussion, especially with December 28 elections approaching in Guinea. Despite the political instability, Touray described the upcoming elections as “significant progress” in the transition process.
The agenda also included discussions about security in the Sahel region, where insurgencies from jihadist groups pose ongoing threats. President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, who holds the rotating chairmanship of ECOWAS, urged for negotiations with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) for shared security, emphasizing the inescapable nature of violence in the region.
Guinea and Guinea-Bissau leaders, currently suspended due to military takeovers, were not present at the summit, which saw Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Tinubu. The summit underscored the persistent challenges facing West African democracies amid ongoing political instability and recent patterns of military coups.
