Gambiaj.com – (BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau) – The high-level political mission jointly deployed by ECOWAS and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) hastily departed Guinea-Bissau in the early hours of March 1, 2025, after President Umaro Sissoco Embaló threatened to expel the delegation. The mission had been in the country since February 21, aiming to facilitate political dialogue and draft a consensus roadmap for Guinea-Bissau’s 2025 elections.

Sent on the directive of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the delegation engaged with various political stakeholders, including President Embaló, political parties, election management bodies, and civil society representatives.

Initial discussions indicated a general willingness among stakeholders to cooperate in shaping an inclusive and peaceful electoral process. However, tensions escalated as the mission attempted to finalize and present a draft agreement for the election roadmap.

While the exact reasons behind President Embaló’s threat remain unclear, his government has had a history of strained relations with regional and international actors over governance and election-related issues.

The sudden hostility towards the mission raises concerns over Guinea-Bissau’s commitment to a transparent electoral process and the role of ECOWAS in mediating its political landscape.

The ECOWAS-UNOWAS mission is set to report its findings to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, including recommendations on how to salvage the electoral roadmap.

Meanwhile, the mission has urged all stakeholders and citizens to maintain calm and safeguard peace in the country, even as uncertainty looms over the electoral process.

The abrupt departure of the mission signals deepening political tensions in Guinea-Bissau, leaving regional observers questioning whether ECOWAS can still play a decisive role in steering the country toward free and fair elections.