### ECOWAS Engages in Ongoing Dialogue with Guinea-Bissau's Military Leaders Following Recent Coup - The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has initiated talks with the military government of Guinea-Bissau after a coup that occurred shortly after a closely contested presidential election. The military seized power on November 29, 2025, leading to a ban on demonstrations and activities deemed threats to peace and stability in the country. ECOWAS aims to facilitate the restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau, emphasizing the need for dialogue despite the current political turmoil [https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2025/dec/02/ecowas-guinea-bissau-talks-to-continue][https://apnews.com/article/guineabissau-coup-ecowas-talks-0b4b745cea6c30f97e0c34258fbd4a6c]. ### Structure of the ECOWAS Mission and Objectives 1. **Delegation Composition and Arrival**: - The ECOWAS delegation, led by Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio, arrived in Guinea-Bissau on December 1, 2025, to engage with the coup leaders [https://www.africanews.com/2025/12/01/ecowas-delegation-in-guinea-bissau-for-talks-with-coup-leaders]. 2. **Objectives of the Talks**: - The primary goal of the discussions is to advocate for the "complete restoration of constitutional order" in Guinea-Bissau, which has been disrupted by the military takeover [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3715732-ecowas-intervenes-in-guinea-bissau-coup-for-constitutional-restoration]. 3. **Current Status of Negotiations**: - As of December 2, 2025, the talks have not yielded significant progress, but ECOWAS has indicated that discussions will continue later in the month [https://www.standard-journal.com/ap/world/article_4f840998-3450-5dc5-873b-79ae1c6dd568.html]. ### Evidence of the Situation in Guinea-Bissau - **Coup Context**: The military coup occurred just three days after a presidential election, which was closely contested, indicating a volatile political environment [https://apnews.com/article/guineabissau-coup-ecowas-talks-0b4b745cea6c30f97e0c34258fbd4a6c]. - **Government Actions**: The military government has imposed a ban on all demonstrations and activities that could threaten peace and stability, reflecting a tight grip on power [https://www.theheritagetimes.com/ecowas-delegation-holds-talks-with-guinea-bissau-coup-leaders]. - **International Response**: ECOWAS's intervention highlights the regional bloc's commitment to restoring democratic governance in West Africa, as it has condemned the coup and called for a return to constitutional order [https://www.barrons.com/news/condemning-coup-ecowas-meets-with-guinea-bissau-junta-46e34fa9]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Coup Overview**: The military coup in Guinea-Bissau has led to significant political instability, with ECOWAS stepping in to mediate. 2. **Ongoing Negotiations**: Despite initial talks yielding little progress, ECOWAS remains committed to continuing discussions aimed at restoring constitutional governance. 3. **Regional Implications**: The situation in Guinea-Bissau is critical not only for the country but also for regional stability in West Africa, as ECOWAS seeks to uphold democratic principles. In conclusion, **the ongoing dialogue between ECOWAS and Guinea-Bissau's military leaders is crucial for the future of constitutional governance in the country**, and the international community is closely monitoring the developments as negotiations progress [https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2025/dec/02/ecowas-guinea-bissau-talks-to-continue].