The Chair of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, President Julius Maada Bio, travelled to Guinea-Bissau on Monday for direct talks with the country’s military leadership, as West Africa’s regional bloc steps up efforts to resolve the unfolding political crisis.
His visit follows an Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, which expressed deep concern over recent events in Bissau and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding constitutional governance in the region. The trip was widely viewed within diplomatic circles as a necessary step to maintain dialogue at a moment when political stability in Guinea-Bissau remains fragile.
During the meeting, President Bio reiterated ECOWAS’s collective position: that the will of the people, as expressed through constitutional order, must be protected. He emphasised that the bloc’s responsibility is not only political but moral, especially in a region where disruptions to governance often trigger wider humanitarian and security challenges.
Read Also: JNJF Hosts Fundraising Luncheon to Support Widows in Sierra Leone
Officials close to the engagement described the atmosphere as firm but constructive. Although details of the discussions have not yet been disclosed, early indications suggest that ECOWAS will remain closely involved with all relevant actors to prevent further escalation. For over a decade, Guinea-Bissau has witnessed cycles of political uncertainty, and this latest incident has brought back loud calls for increased regional solidarity. ECOWAS, under the chairmanship of Bio, has become vocal in strengthening democratic norms and offering support to countries passing through internal crises. With the region awaiting subsequent developments, observers indicate that at such a critical moment, this proactive approach of ECOWAS may help steady Guinea-Bissau.The organisation has encouraged all parties to exercise restraint and to prioritise dialogue, signalling that continued instability could have consequences for both national and regional security.
