ECOWAS Hails Guinea-Bissau’s Bold Steps Toward Peaceful Polls

By Linda da Ike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) welcomes recent measures by Guinea-Bissau’s transitional authorities to build an inclusive political environment and speed up the return to constitutional rule.

These steps were outlined in a January 29, 2026, letter from Major General Horta INTA-A, Transition President, to Dr. Julius Maada BIO, Sierra Leone’s President and Chairperson of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of state and Government

The Guinea Bissau Authority announced the key actions to.incluse: Forming an inclusive transition government, assigning three ministerial posts each to PAIGC and the political group led by Mr. Fernando Dias Da Costa.
Appointing ten representatives from both groups to the National Transition Council.
Releasing all political prisoners and easing conditions for PAIGC President Mr. Domingos Simões Pereira, now under house arrest instead of central prison.
Withdrawing the request to end the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB).

ECOWAS urges all parties to collaborate for a peaceful transition to credible democratic elections.

It demands Mr. Pereira’s full release and guarantees of fundamental rights for all citizens.

ECOWAS reaffirms its support for Guinea-Bissau’s people.