ECOWAS leaders demand quick return to civilian rule in Guinea-Bissau
Leaders of West African countries have rejected a transition program announced by Guinea-Bissau’s military rulers and have instead called for a quick return to constitutional rule. They also warned that targeted sanctions could be imposed on individuals who block the process.
The position was confirmed on Sunday in Abuja, Nigeria, during the 68th summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Heads of state and government gathered to discuss growing challenges in the region, including insecurity, economic pressure and political instability.
Opening the summit, ECOWAS Commission Chairman and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, expressed concern about the return of military takeovers in the region. He said unconstitutional changes of government threaten peace, democracy and development in West Africa.
President Bio reminded leaders that ECOWAS was built on democratic values. He said the current situation in Guinea-Bissau, as well as a recent attempted coup in Benin, shows the need for strong and united action to protect democratic governance. According to him, democracy is closely linked to peace, justice and long-term development.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, also addressed the summit. He urged leaders to remain united despite political differences. He described West Africa as a family bound by shared history, culture and common goals, adding that disagreements should not weaken regional cooperation.
Vice President Shettima said Nigeria believes dialogue, understanding and unity should guide ECOWAS, rather than force. He stressed that regional solidarity is important at a time when many countries are facing serious political and economic challenges.
Apart from political issues, the summit also focused on economic integration in the region. Leaders reviewed progress on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, energy cooperation and major infrastructure projects aimed at boosting regional development.
Climate change was another major topic discussed. Leaders raised concerns about floods, droughts and their impact on food security. They called for stronger regional cooperation to address environmental challenges and protect livelihoods across West Africa.
The summit comes at a difficult time for ECOWAS, as the bloc continues talks with some military-led governments that have either suspended their membership or withdrawn from the organisation. These developments have raised concerns about the future unity and strength of the regional body.
ECOWAS, which was founded in 1975, has 15 member states. The organisation was created to promote economic integration, peace, stability and democratic governance across West Africa. Leaders at the Abuja summit reaffirmed their commitment to these goals and called for collective action to safeguard the region’s future.
