West African bloc ECOWAS warns of targeted sanctions for those obstructing Guinea-Bissau’s return to civilian rule after last month’s military takeover
ABUJA: The West African regional bloc ECOWAS has threatened “targeted sanctions” against anyone obstructing Guinea-Bissau’s return to civilian rule following last month’s coup.
The announcement came as regional presidents met in Nigeria for a summit dominated by two recent coup attempts.
ECOWAS commission president Omar Alieu Touray said the authorities would impose sanctions on individuals or groups blocking the transition process.
Touray also stated that the ECOWAS peacekeeping force in Guinea-Bissau was authorised to provide protection to political leaders and national institutions.
The bloc condemned both the successful coup in Guinea-Bissau and a failed putsch in Benin.
The failed Benin coup saw Nigeria deploy fighter jets and troops alongside soldiers from Ivory Coast to support the civilian government.
ECOWAS said more soldiers are en route from Ghana and Sierra Leone.
The summit, held at the presidential villa at Aso Rock, also discussed the December 28 elections in Guinea.
Touray hailed Guinea’s polls as “significant progress” in its transition process.
“We hope that the elections would be credible, transparent and fair,” he told reporters.
Security in the Sahel region, where jihadist groups wage insurgencies, was also a key agenda item.
“No border can insulate us from violence,” said Sierra Leone President Julius Bio, the current ECOWAS chairman.
Heads of state from suspended members Guinea and Guinea-Bissau were not present at the summit.
Nigerian president Bola Tinubu was also absent and was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima. – AFP
