ECOWAS warns coup plotters, vows sanctions in Guinea-Bissau crisis

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has threatened to impose targeted sanctions on individuals or groups obstructing Guinea-Bissau’s return to civilian rule following last month’s military coup.

The warning was issued on Sunday in Abuja at the end of the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, as regional leaders grappled with renewed threats to democratic governance across West Africa.

Speaking to journalists after the summit, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, said the regional bloc would not tolerate any actions aimed at derailing the transition process in Guinea-Bissau.

“The authorities shall impose targeted sanctions on individuals or groups of persons that obstruct the transition process,” Touray said.

He also disclosed that the ECOWAS peacekeeping force deployed in Guinea-Bissau since 2022 has been authorised to provide protection for political leaders and key national institutions, amid concerns over instability in the coup-prone country.

The summit was overshadowed by two recent coup attempts in the region — a successful military takeover in Guinea-Bissau and a failed putsch in neighbouring Benin — both of which ECOWAS strongly condemned.

Following the attempted coup in Benin, Nigeria, alongside Côte d’Ivoire, deployed troops and fighter jets to support the country’s civilian government. ECOWAS said additional forces from Ghana and Sierra Leone are expected to reinforce the regional response.

West Africa has witnessed a troubling wave of coups in recent years, with Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger falling under military rule between 2020 and 2023. All four countries remain under junta leadership and have since withdrawn from ECOWAS.

Although Sunday’s summit was convened before the latest coup attempts, the developments dominated discussions, alongside preparations for Guinea’s December 28 elections. The credibility of the polls has drawn scrutiny after junta leader Mamady Doumbouya declared his intention to contest, despite earlier assurances he would not run, while exiled opposition leader and former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo has been barred from participating.

Nevertheless, Touray said ECOWAS views the elections as “significant progress” in Guinea’s transition, expressing hope that the process would be credible, transparent and fair.

Security challenges in the Sahel region also featured prominently at the summit, as jihadist insurgencies continue to destabilise Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The three countries have since formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) after exiting ECOWAS.

Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, who currently chairs ECOWAS, warned that insecurity in one country threatens the entire region.

“No border can insulate us from violence,” Bio said, calling for collective action against terrorism and political instability.

Heads of state from Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, both suspended from ECOWAS following their military takeovers, were absent from the meeting.

President Bola Tinubu did not attend the summit and was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who joined other regional leaders at the high-level gathering.

Beyond military takeovers, ECOWAS leaders also expressed concern over democratic backsliding within civilian governments, noting that political exclusion and flawed electoral processes continue to undermine democratic consolidation in parts of the region.