Gambiaj.com – (ABUJA, Nigeria) – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has lifted all remaining sanctions imposed on Guinea, citing the country’s successful return to constitutional order following the completion of its transition process.
In a communiqué issued in Abuja on January 28, 2026, the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government said the decision followed consultations led by the bloc’s Chair, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, and was based on Guinea’s demonstrated compliance with the agreed transition roadmap.
ECOWAS recalled that Guinea had been under sanctions after the September 2021 military takeover and that the transition process was guided by a 10-point, 24-month “dynamic compromise” roadmap agreed in October 2022.
The regional body noted that the Guinean transitional authorities fulfilled their commitment to restore constitutional order by the end of 2025.
According to the communiqué, Guinea successfully held a constitutional referendum on September 21, 2025, followed by a presidential election on December 28, 2025. ECOWAS said both polls were positively assessed by its observer mission, alongside those of the African Union and other independent observers .
The Authority commended the government and people of Guinea for conducting a peaceful presidential election and for the inauguration of a democratically elected president on January 17, 2026. It also congratulated President Mamady Doumbouya on his election and urged him to pursue policies that promote social cohesion, national unity, and inclusive prosperity.
With immediate effect, ECOWAS announced the lifting of all residual sanctions against Guinea and individuals involved in the transition process. The bloc further decided to fully reintegrate Guinea into all ECOWAS decision-making organs and regional integration activities.
ECOWAS encouraged the Guinean government to build on the restoration of constitutional order by intensifying inclusive national dialogue, particularly ahead of upcoming legislative elections. It also urged authorities to strengthen democracy, good governance, the rule of law, and socio-economic development.
The regional body commended the ECOWAS Commission for its role in accompanying Guinea’s transition and directed it to develop initiatives to support post-transition reconstruction and peace consolidation.
It also praised former Beninese President Boni Yayi for his mediation efforts and acknowledged the support of the African Union, the United Nations, and other international partners.
ECOWAS said it would remain actively engaged in monitoring developments in Guinea as the country moves into its post-transition phase.
