The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed support on the recent measures taken by the transitional authorities of the Republic of Guinea‑Bissau aimed at fostering an inclusive political environment and advancing the country’s return to constitutional order.
ECOWAS called for the full and effective release of Mr. Domingos Simões Pereira and guarantees of fundamental rights and freedoms for all citizens.
These developments were conveyed in a letter from Major General Horta INTA‑A, President of the Transition, addressed to His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada BIO, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chairperson of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, dated 29 January 2026, a statement said at the weekend.
In the communication, the Bissau‑Guinean authorities announced the following key actions: Formation of an inclusive transition government, with three ministerial positions each allocated to PAIGC and the political group led by Mr. Fernando Dias Da Costa; appointment of ten representatives from the two political groups to the National Transition Council; release of all political prisoners and improvement of the conditions of detention of Mr. Domingos Simões Pereira, President of PAIGC, who has been transferred from central prison to house arrest as well as withdrawal of the request for the departure of the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea‑Bissau (ESSMGB).
"ECOWAS urges all stakeholders to work collaboratively in support of a peaceful and credible transition leading to democratic elections.
"It further calls for the full and effective release of Mr. Domingos Simões Pereira and guarantees of fundamental rights and freedoms for all citizens. ECOWAS reaffirms its continued support to the people of Guinea‑Bissau."