Guinea-Bissau failed coup: ECOWAS agree to send stabilization force

ECOWAS leaders met in Accra on Thursday, February 3, 2022, during which they deliberated on the failed coup, reiterating their condemnation and support for the government of President Umaro Sissoco Mukhtar Embaló.

The embattled President was not present at the summit as the country was represented by a member of government who briefed the ECOWAS leaders on the situation.

The death toll from the coup attempt stands at 11 while a government probe continues into the circumstances. The President hinted that corrupt people in the drug trade are likely complicit in the attempt.

Brief about the failed coup

Multiple reports indicated that a possible coup was underway on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 with heavy gunshots heard around the presidency.

The regional bloc, ECOWAS and the African Union issued a statement condemning the coup attempt and asked the military to return to the barracks to undertake their constitutional duties.

Later that day, via his verified Facebook page, the president also posted a collage showing him with military officers at the presidency. He captioned the photo: "Calm returns to Bissau."