Guinea-Bissau Opposition Accuses ECOWAS of Interference in Constitutional Process
The opposition in Guinea-Bissau has expressed strong indignation and repudiation towards the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing it of interference. This stems from statements made by Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister, Timothy Kabba, during an ECOWAS mission to Bissau. Kabba announced that the country's new constitution, approved by the National Transition Council (CNT), would be submitted to a referendum. The opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa, who claims victory in the November 23rd presidential elections, stated that it is politically unacceptable for a representative of a neighboring state to unilaterally announce a referendum for a constitution drafted by transitional authorities. They view this as an overreach of authority and an inadmissible interference in matters solely concerning the Guinean people.
The opposition further asserts that Kabba's declarations contradict the democratic principles proclaimed by ECOWAS and decisions made at a December summit regarding the coup in Guinea-Bissau. They emphasize that Guinea-Bissau's sovereignty is non-negotiable and cannot be supplanted by foreign emissaries, who lack the legitimacy to announce or validate constitutional processes on behalf of the Guinean people. Meanwhile, Guinea-Bissau's Revolutionary Armed Forces announced on social media that the CNT unanimously approved a draft law for the constitutional referendum on December 26th. This law awaits promulgation by the transitional President, General Horta Inta-a, who will then set the referendum date for the revised constitution, which reportedly strengthens presidential powers.
Guinea-Bissau has been suspended from ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries since a coup in November 2025. The military, led by General Horta Inta-a, claimed to have seized power to prevent bloodshed amidst electoral disputes, suspending the electoral process and removing then-President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. General Horta Inta-a assumed the presidency, with Ilídio Vieira Té appointed as prime minister and the CNT established to function as parliament.
The opposition's strong reaction highlights a critical tension between regional integration efforts and national sovereignty, particularly in post-coup transitional states. ECOWAS's engagement, while potentially aimed at fostering stability and democratic norms, appears to have been perceived by domestic actors as overstepping its mandate. The announcement of a constitutional referendum by an external official, regardless of intent, risks undermining the legitimacy of the process and fueling internal political divisions. This situation underscores the complex governance challenges in Guinea-Bissau, where the military-backed transitional government is navigating the path to constitutional order amidst contested elections and international scrutiny. The future constitutional framework's impact on the balance of power, especially the reported strengthening of presidential authority, will be a key determinant of political stability and democratic consolidation in the coming decade.
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