A high-level delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) concluded its mediation mission to Guinea-Bissau on Monday without securing an immediate breakthrough. However, the regional bloc has pledged to continue dialogue with the military leadership later this month.
The mission, led by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, traveled to Bissau with the primary objective of negotiating a return to civilian rule following the military coup that took place last Wednesday.
Demands for Constitutional Order
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba described the talks as “fruitful,” despite the lack of an immediate resolution. He reiterated the bloc’s firm stance against the military takeover.
“The chair of the authority condemned the coup and calls for the immediate restoration of constitutional order, which includes allowing the electoral process to reach a logical conclusion,” Kabba stated.
The junta, which has suspended the constitution and banned protests and strikes, argued that its intervention was necessary to restore security and stability in the West African nation.
Transition Timeline in Dispute
The military leadership has installed former Army Chief Gen. Horta Inta-a as the head of the transitional government. In a move to consolidate power, the junta has already appointed a new cabinet, notably composed largely of allies of the ousted president.
A key point of contention remains the timeline for a return to democracy. The junta has proposed a one-year transition period. However, the newly appointed Foreign Minister, João Bernardo Vieira, indicated that the timeline is subject to regional review.
“The solution is to continue collaborating with ECOWAS,” Vieira said on Monday. He noted that the proposed one-year deadline and the broader transition plan will be submitted to the ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State and Government on December 14. The next steps will depend on the decisions made at that summit.
Political Fallout
The coup occurred while the country was awaiting the results of the presidential election held on November 23.
ECOWAS moved swiftly to suspend Guinea-Bissau from its decision-making bodies pending the restoration of civilian rule. The United Nations has also condemned the action, calling for the unconditional release of all detained political actors and urging respect for the democratic will expressed in the recent vote.
Meanwhile, ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has fled the country. After being detained during the initial stages of the coup, he has since sought refuge in Brazzaville.
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