ECOWAS Suspends Guinea-Bissau Amid Military Takeover

ECOWAS has suspended Guinea-Bissau from decision-making after a military coup overthrew the government. Calm has been restored in the capital, Bissau, with the junta lifting curfews and reopening public services. ECOWAS aims to restore constitutional order. The region faces a rise in coups challenging democracy.

In a significant regional development, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the suspension of Guinea-Bissau from its decision-making bodies following a military coup. This move comes just days after disputed elections led to the overthrow of the government.

As the situation unfolds, calm has returned to the capital, Bissau, with the newly established junta lifting curfews and allowing normal activities to resume. Banks and marketplaces are operational again, providing a semblance of normalcy even as political uncertainties loom.

The suspension highlights ongoing tensions in West Africa, where ECOWAS struggles to curb a rise in military coups. Efforts are underway to restore constitutional order, with a mediation team set to negotiate with coup leaders and address the democratic challenges posed by contested elections across the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)