A high-level delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has arrived in Guinea-Bissau for mediation talks with the military leaders who ousted President Embaló last week.
The delegation is led by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio.
The initiative follows an emergency summit held by ECOWAS leaders to address the crisis that erupted when military officers seized power and halted the electoral process just as the country was awaiting the preliminary results.
The ousted president was transported abroad with the assistance of the regional bloc.
Coinciding with the delegation’s arrival, the new military authorities imposed a total ban on demonstrations and any activities deemed to “threaten stability,” while ordering ministries and government agencies to resume operations.
Meanwhile, Nigeria granted protection to opposition presidential candidate Fernando Dias da Costa, who sought refuge at its embassy in Bissau due to concerns for his safety.
ECOWAS is now working under time pressure to restore the country’s democratic trajectory.
