West African leaders have suspended Guinea-Bissau from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies following a military coup on November 26, 2025, demanding the immediate restoration of constitutional rule.

The Extraordinary Session of ECOWAS’ Mediation and Security Council (MSC), chaired by Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, met virtually with leaders and senior officials from member states, the African Union, and the United Nations.

The MSC condemned the coup, called for the unconditional release of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, electoral officials, and other political figures, and urged coup leaders to allow the National Electoral Commission to finalize results from the November 23 elections.

ECOWAS also demanded that the military return to barracks, maintain their constitutional role, and guarantee safe passage for election observers. The bloc warned that it “reserves the right to use all options” under its protocols, including sanctions.

The African Union and European Union similarly condemned the coup, calling for a swift return to constitutional order.

Following the takeover, the military appointed General Horta N’Tam, army chief of staff, to lead a one-year transitional government. Meanwhile, President Embalo was flown to Senegal and reported safe.

A high-level ECOWAS mediation team, including the presidents of Togo, Cabo Verde, and Senegal, is set to travel to Bissau to engage with the coup leaders and ensure a full restoration of democracy.