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 by ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Alieu Touray, at the end of the bloc’s 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Abuja, Nigeria.
“The authorities shall impose targeted sanctions on individuals or groups of persons that obstruct the transition process,” Touray told reporters.
He also announced that the ECOWAS peacekeeping force deployed in Guinea-Bissau since 2022 has been authorised to protect political leaders and national institutions during the transition period.
The summit was dominated by discussions on recent threats to democratic rule in the region, including the successful coup in Guinea-Bissau and a failed coup attempt in Benin. ECOWAS condemned both incidents.
Following the attempted takeover in Benin, Nigeria deployed fighter jets and troops, alongside forces from Côte d’Ivoire, to support the civilian government. ECOWAS said additional troops from Ghana and Sierra Leone are expected to reinforce security.
Between 2020 and 2023, ECOWAS member states including Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger experienced a wave of coups, with all four countries currently under military rule.
Sahel Security, Elections Dominate Talks
Although the summit was scheduled before the recent coups, they featured prominently on the agenda, alongside preparations for Guinea’s December 28 elections.
Guinea’s junta leader, Mamady Doumbouya, is contesting the election despite an earlier pledge not to run, while opposition figure Cellou Dalein Diallo remains excluded from the process. Despite concerns, Touray described the elections as “significant progress” in the country’s transition.
“We hope that the elections will be credible, transparent and fair,” he said.
Regional security in the Sahel was also discussed, amid ongoing jihadist insurgencies in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The three countries have withdrawn from ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
“No border can insulate us from violence,” said Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, the current ECOWAS chairman.
Presidents of Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, both suspended from ECOWAS following military takeovers, were absent from the summit. President Bola Tinubu was also not in attendance and was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
ECOWAS leaders reiterated their commitment to defending democracy in the region, warning that continued military interventions and democratic backsliding threaten West Africa’s stability.