ECOWAS Backs Guinea-Bissau’s Transition, Welcomes Inclusive Political Steps
At a time when West Africa remains sensitive to political instability, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has thrown its weight behind renewed efforts by Guinea-Bissau’s transitional authorities to return the country to constitutional order.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Economic Community of West African States welcomed recent confidence-building measures announced by the transitional government of Guinea-Bissau, describing them as crucial steps towards an inclusive and credible democratic transition.
The measures were communicated in a letter dated January 29, 2026, from Major General Horta Inta-A, President of the Transition, to Sierra Leone’s President and current ECOWAS Chair, Dr Julius Maada Bio.
According to ECOWAS, the actions include the formation of an inclusive transition government with ministerial positions shared between the PAIGC and the political group led by Fernando Dias Da Costa, the appointment of representatives from both groups to the National Transition Council, the release of all political prisoners, and improved detention conditions for PAIGC leader Domingos Simões Pereira, who has been moved from prison to house arrest.
The Bissau-Guinean authorities also withdrew their request for the departure of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB), signalling renewed cooperation with the regional bloc.
ECOWAS urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure a peaceful transition and credible elections, while calling for the full release of Mr Pereira and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms for all citizens.
The regional body reaffirmed its continued support for the people of Guinea-Bissau.
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