Guinea-Bissau Crisis: ECOWAS Pulls Out After President Embaló’s Expulsion Threats

President Embalo © Phil Magakoe AFP

By Edward F. Dalliah,

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has withdrawn its mission from Guinea-Bissau following threats of expulsion by President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. The mission, tasked with facilitating dialogue on the country’s electoral process, departed on 1st March 2025, amid escalating tensions over delayed elections.

In a statement, ECOWAS explained, “The mission departed Bissau in the early morning of 1st March following threats by H.E. Umaro Sissoco Embaló to expel it.” Guinea-Bissau, known for its political instability, is currently struggling to hold general elections, months after President Embaló’s postponement.

According to the BBC, the elections were originally scheduled for November 2024 but were delayed by the President. This has fueled concerns among opposition parties, who argue that his term should have ended last week. However, despite these concerns—particularly regarding the President’s tenure—the BBC reported that “a Supreme Court ruling extended his term in office to September.”

President Embaló was elected in December 2019 for a five-year term, after which elections were expected to take place. His presidency has been marked by two failed coup attempts, the most recent occurring in December 2023. Throughout his time in office, there have been continuous crackdowns on government critics, and he has dissolved the country’s parliament.

According to the Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI), “In May 2022, President Embaló dissolved the parliament, disregarding constitutional deadlines for new elections [within 90 days of the dissolution], which were eventually rescheduled for 4th June 2023.” Despite this, he was elected President of ECOWAS in July 2022.

Currently, the people of Guinea-Bissau remain uncertain about the country’s future. Meanwhile, ECOWAS stated, “The mission took note of the issues and concerns raised by stakeholders during consultations and commended their commitment to political dialogue aimed at fostering broad consensus on a roadmap for the 2025 legislative and presidential elections.”

Furthermore, ECOWAS confirmed that the mission had drafted a roadmap for the 2025 elections, which was being presented to stakeholders for approval. The final report, outlining proposals for a consensual and peaceful electoral process, will be submitted to the President of the ECOWAS Commission. However, as political tensions continue to mount, the departure of the ECOWAS mission leaves the country’s electoral future uncertain.

With ECOWAS withdrawing its mission and political tensions escalating, Guinea-Bissau faces an uncertain road ahead. As the government, opposition, and international bodies grapple with the electoral impasse, citizens remain in the dark about what comes next. Whether a peaceful resolution can be reached or the crisis deepens further will depend on the willingness of all parties to engage in dialogue and uphold democratic principles.