By: Abdoulie John
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, current Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, has reaffirmed the regional bloc’s “unwavering commitment” to restoring constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau following a military takeover that derailed the country’s electoral process.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page Monday, hours after meeting Guinea-Bissau’s military leadership, President Bio said: “Pursuant to the communique of the Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, I engaged in a constructive discussion with the military leadership of Guinea-Bissau. As Chairperson, I reaffirmed ECOWAS’s unwavering commitment to restore constitutional order.”
The tiny West African nation plunged into crisis after armed forces seized power, halting the counting of votes in a presidential election widely believed to have been won by opposition candidate Fernando Dias. Fearing for his safety, Dias has since gone into hiding.
Former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, whose term officially ended, has been accused of continuing to meddle in the political stalemate, further complicating the transition.
Regional observers and civil society groups are mounting pressure on ECOWAS to recognise Dias as the legitimate winner and ensure the will of Bissau-Guinean voters is respected. Many argue that only a swift acknowledgment of the apparent election results can defuse tensions and prevent further instability in a country with a long history of military interventions.
President Bio’s visit and public pledge signal ECOWAS’s intent to intensify diplomatic efforts, though analysts warn that restoring civilian rule will require firm deadlines, targeted sanctions if necessary, and clear support for the electoral outcome.
As West Africa grapples with a wave of coups and democratic backsliding, all eyes are now on ECOWAS to demonstrate that unconstitutional changes of government will no longer be tolerated in the region.
