Guinea-Bissau’s political crisis deepened on Wednesday, 26th November, after soldiers seized control of key state institutions in Bissau, prompting regional leaders to convene an emergency ECOWAS summit.
By Thursday, 27 November 2025, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló had been evacuated to Dakar, Senegal, as part of a mediation effort aimed at stabilising the country.
According to Senegalese authorities, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye participated in the extraordinary virtual ECOWAS meeting convened to address the sudden military takeover.
The regional bloc strongly condemned the attempted overthrow of constitutional authority and demanded the restoration of democratic order.
ECOWAS leaders also called for the immediate release of all detainees, including President Embaló, whose safety had been a major concern since the power grab.
A restricted mediation committee, of which Senegal is a key member, was swiftly established to coordinate diplomatic efforts.
This mechanism facilitated Embaló’s secure arrival in Dakar, where he is now under the protection of Senegalese authorities.
The Government of Senegal said it is working closely with ECOWAS, the African Union, and international partners to support dialogue and a rapid return to constitutional rule in Guinea-Bissau.
The crisis follows years of political instability in the country, where tensions between the presidency and elements of the security forces have repeatedly threatened democratic governance.
Regional leaders continue to monitor the situation as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent further escalation and restore civilian authority in Bissau.
