President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined other West African leaders on Thursday, November 27, in an urgent virtual summit to address the political crisis in Guinea-Bissau following a military takeover.

Military Seizes Control in Guinea-Bissau

On Wednesday, November 26, a group of military officers in Guinea-Bissau claimed full control of the country amid a disputed presidential election.

Both leading candidates had declared victory in the closely contested polls.

The military announced the suspension of the electoral process, imposed an overnight curfew, and closed all land, air, and sea borders.

The officers, referring to themselves as the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order,” made the announcement on national television, according to Al Jazeera.

Transitional Government Appointed

Following the takeover, the military installed General Horta Nta Na Man as head of a transitional government set to run for one year.

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo was reportedly arrested during the coup.

ECOWAS Leaders Respond

In response, ECOWAS convened an extraordinary virtual summit to coordinate diplomatic action.

President Tinubu, who recently concluded his two-term tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, attended the meeting from Abuja.

Leadership of the bloc has since passed to Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio.

The meeting focused on ensuring a swift and unified response to the crisis and safeguarding the democratic process in Guinea-Bissau.

Tinubu Calls for Unity and Swift Action

During the summit, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of decisive measures, stating, “ECOWAS must act decisively to restore constitutional order and protect the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau.”

Commitment to Democracy and Regional Stability

The summit concluded with ECOWAS member states pledging to closely monitor developments in Guinea-Bissau and coordinate diplomatic efforts to restore constitutional governance.

The region’s leaders agreed that protecting democracy and preventing further military takeovers remain top priorities for West Africa.