A high-level mission from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) hastily departed Guinea-Bissau this morning following threats of deportation by President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
The delegation, led by Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, was in the country from February 21 to 28 to support political reconciliation efforts ahead of the 2025 elections. According to a joint statement from ECOWAS, the mission aimed to propose a conciliatory roadmap for a peaceful and inclusive electoral process.
Despite meetings with local authorities, political actors and civil society representatives, rising tensions with President Embaló led the mission to cut short its visit. The delegation expressed concern about the political situation and called on all parties to maintain peace and stability.
A detailed report, including recommendations for resolving the crisis, will be submitted to the ECOWAS Commission Chair. The diplomatic impasse comes as Guinea-Bissau prepares for presidential and parliamentary elections on November 30 and political uncertainty looms.