At its annual summit held Sunday in Abuja, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) rejected the transition programme announced by the military authorities in Guinea-Bissau and called for a swift return to constitutional rule.
The regional bloc warned that it could impose targeted sanctions on individuals obstructing the restoration of constitutional order.
ECOWAS leaders also demanded the immediate release of all political detainees, including opposition figures, stressing the need for an inclusive, credible and peaceful transfer of power.
ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray said the heads of state had agreed on a policy of “zero tolerance for any unconstitutional change of government.”
The bloc reaffirmed its recognition of the legitimacy of the elections held on 23 November, describing them as free and transparent, based on reports from its own observers as well as those of the African Union and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries.
ECOWAS also tasked its current chair to lead a high-level delegation to engage in talks with the military council.
The decision comes one week after the overthrow of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló by army officers, who established what they call the “High Military Command” and appointed General Horta Inta as interim president.
