ECOWAS Intervenes in Guinea-Bissau Coup for Constitutional Restoration

The West African bloc ECOWAS is in Guinea-Bissau for talks following a coup that ousted the president. The military government, which seized power after a contested election, faces international pressure to restore constitutional order. Calls for the release of detained officials persist amidst political instability in the country.

A delegation from ECOWAS arrived in Guinea-Bissau on Monday for mediation talks with the coup leaders following last week’s military takeover. The mission aims to ensure the complete restoration of constitutional order in the West African nation.

The military authorities, who seized power three days post a contentious presidential vote, have banned demonstrations and ordered the reopening of public institutions. The ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has taken refuge in the Republic of Congo.

Guinea-Bissau's new military government is led by Gen. Horta Inta-a, overseeing a one-year transition. International figures, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, have condemned the coup, calling for immediate restoration of democracy in this coup-prone nation.