Senegal has formally begun its role as ECOWAS mediator in Guinea-Bissau, with a high-level delegation arriving in Bissau to help accelerate the country’s return to constitutional government. The mission, led by Senegal’s Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs Cheikh Niang and Minister of Armed Forces Yankoba Diémé, follows a decision by West African leaders at the 69th ECOWAS Ordinary Summit held in Freetown on July 19. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye assumed the chairmanship of ECOWAS at the summit.
In Bissau, the Senegalese delegation held talks with Foreign Minister Fatumata Jau, Prime Minister IlÃdio Vieira Té and transitional President General Horta N’Tam. Discussions focused on establishing a framework for dialogue and identifying practical steps toward restoring constitutional governance. Guinea-Bissau has been under military-led transitional rule since November 2025, when the armed forces seized power following a disputed electoral process. General Horta N’Tam was subsequently appointed transitional president.
The transition authorities have welcomed Senegal’s mediation initiative and indicated their willingness to cooperate with Dakar. The process comes as ECOWAS seeks a peaceful political solution while pressing for democratic governance and stability in the country. The timing is significant. Guinea-Bissau’s transitional authorities have scheduled a constitutional referendum for August 30, while the country remains under military rule. Senegal’s mediation will therefore face the delicate task of encouraging dialogue between the transitional authorities and political stakeholders while helping create conditions for a credible return to constitutional rule.
