Guinea-Bissau President Threatens to Expel ECOWAS Mission Amid Political Tensions
Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has issued a strong warning to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), threatening to expel the regional stabilization force deployed in the country. His remarks come amid escalating political tensions and growing concerns about external interference in the country’s governance.
The ECOWAS Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ECOMIB) was deployed in 2012 following a military coup to help stabilize the country and support democratic governance. However, President Embaló now claims the mission has overstayed its purpose and is undermining Guinea-Bissau’s sovereignty.
During a press conference in Bissau, Embaló accused ECOWAS of interfering in national affairs and failing to respect the country’s autonomy.
“Guinea-Bissau is a sovereign nation, and we cannot allow foreign troops to dictate our political future,” he said. “ECOWAS came here for a mission, but that mission must have an end.”
The President’s comments reflect growing frustration with regional interventions and a broader pattern of West African leaders pushing back against external influence. Over the past year, countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have expelled French troops and reassessed their relationships with ECOWAS and Western allies.
The expulsion of ECOWAS forces could have serious security implications for Guinea-Bissau, a country that has long struggled with political instability, drug trafficking, and military influence in governance. The West African bloc has warned that a premature withdrawal of peacekeeping forces could destabilize the nation and open the door for further unrest.
ECOWAS has yet to officially respond to the threat, but regional diplomats have urged dialogue over confrontation. One ECOWAS official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated:
“The mission was deployed to ensure stability. If President Embaló wants the troops to leave, there must be a structured withdrawal plan to prevent security vacuums.”
President Embaló’s threat comes at a time of political uncertainty, with opposition parties accusing his administration of authoritarianism and suppressing dissent. There have been growing calls for constitutional reforms and concerns about election transparency in the upcoming polls.
The opposition has criticized the President’s stance, arguing that removing ECOWAS troops could embolden the military and weaken democratic institutions.
If Guinea-Bissau follows through with its threat, it could strain its diplomatic relations with ECOWAS and other West African nations. The regional bloc has previously imposed sanctions on governments that challenge its authority, as seen in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
For now, all eyes are on ECOWAS’ response and whether negotiations can prevent another major shift in West Africa’s fragile political landscape.
