The Senegalese government has expressed concern over the recent developments in Guinea-Bissau, where the transitional authorities have announced that conditions are not met for the December 6th election. In a statement released on October 8th, the Senegalese Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs, and Senegalese Abroad called for an inclusive dialogue between the transitional authorities, political forces, and social actors to agree on the conditions for a return to constitutional order.
Guinea-Bissau has been under transitional authorities since November 2025, following the ousting of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. The Prime Minister, Ilídio Vieira Té, cited non-respect of candidacy deposit conditions at the Supreme Court as a reason for postponing the election. The National Electoral Commission also stated that technical conditions were not met. The opposition, grouped in the PAI-Terra Ranka coalition, denounced an "institutional coup d'état".
The Senegalese government, currently holding the ECOWAS presidency, has positioned itself as a mediator in the Guinea-Bissau crisis. The statement recalled Senegal's particular role and emphasized its commitment to peace, stability, and a swift return to constitutional order, in line with the transition process and ECOWAS principles.
Senegal's call for dialogue comes as the international community closely monitors the situation in Guinea-Bissau. The country has faced recurrent instability and military interventions in recent years. The ECOWAS has been actively engaged in efforts to restore stability and promote a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The transitional authorities in Guinea-Bissau have cited "legal, technical, and institutional constraints" as reasons for the election postponement. However, no new date has been announced, fueling uncertainty and concern among the population and the international community.
Senegal's mediation efforts will be conducted in concert with other ECOWAS member states and concerned partners, with respect for Guinea-Bissau's sovereignty. The Senegalese government reiterated its commitment to supporting a peaceful and stable resolution to the crisis, in line with ECOWAS principles and objectives.
The situation in Guinea-Bissau remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to find a peaceful solution. The country's stakeholders are expected to engage in an inclusive dialogue to define the modalities for an effective return to constitutional order. Key players, including Senegal, ECOWAS, and the international community, will continue to monitor the situation and support efforts towards stability and peace.
Key points
- Senegal calls for inclusive dialogue in Guinea-Bissau before changing electoral calendar
- ECOWAS and international community closely monitoring situation in Guinea-Bissau
- Transitional authorities cite legal, technical, and institutional constraints for election postponement
