ECOWAS Mission to Guinea-Bissau Calls for Peace and Calm, as Political Uncertainty Looms.
By Raymond Enoch
A high-level political mission led by H.E. Ambassador Bagudu Hirse upon the directives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and joined by the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) ended its visit to Guinea-Bissau amidst uncertainty on March 1, 2025.
The mission, which took place from February 23 to 28, 2025, aimed at meditating and facilitating dialogue among Guinea-Bissau’s political stakeholders in preparation for the country’s upcoming legislative and presidential elections, scheduled for 2025. The initiative was launched at the directive of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, with the goal of ensuring a peaceful and inclusive electoral process.
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, who deployed the delegation to engage with national leaders, political figures, and key stakeholders aimed to support national efforts towards achieving peace at national and regional stability.
The mission which was welcomed by Guinea-Bissau’s President, H.E. Umaro Sissoco Embaló, held series of consultations with government officials, opposition leaders, civil society groups, electoral bodies, and international partners.
Discussions by the mission centered around the upcoming elections, with stakeholders voicing concerns over the credibility and fairness of the process. Despite these differing views, the mission found encouragement in the willingness of all parties to engage in dialogue. Many stakeholders expressed their commitment to reaching a consensus on the roadmap for the 2025 elections, a crucial step in ensuring that the elections are inclusive and conducted in a peaceful manner.
As part of the mission’s progress, a draft agreement outlining the proposed electoral roadmap was prepared and presented to the various stakeholders for review and approval.
The delegation which was headed by Ambassador Hirse determined not to derail from it’s directives However, the unfriendly attention of government to the mission emerged when, on the morning of March 1, 2025: the team abruptly brought its visit to a premature end.
Accordingly the Mission said that despite the threat, the mission would submit a comprehensive report to the ECOWAS Commission, detailing its findings and proposing recommendations for achieving a consensual electoral framework. The report is expected to guide future interventions and help secure long-term political stability in Guinea-Bissau.
Ambassador Hirse urged all parties in Guinea-Bissau to remain calm and focused on resolving the country’s political challenges peacefully. “The mission appeals to all stakeholders and citizens to continue to uphold peace and tranquility in the country,” he stated.
The mission’s early departure highlights the ongoing challenges that Guinea-Bissau faces in achieving lasting political stability. While the visit was cut short, the dialogues initiated by the mission are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s electoral future. As Guinea-Bissau approaches its 2025 elections, the call for unity and peace remains essential to the nation’s political trajectory.
