In a development signaling a possible thaw in the protracted political stalemate, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has acknowledged conciliatory gestures from the transitional authorities in Guinea-Bissau.
The regional body’s communiqué, released today, references a detailed letter from Transitional President Major General Horta INTA-A to ECOWAS Chairman President Julius Maada Bio. The communication outlines several key concessions by the Bissau regime, likely under sustained regional and international pressure.
The announced measures appear designed to address core grievances. The formation of a more inclusive government, with specific quotas for the opposition PAIGC and the group of Mr. Fernando Dias Da Costa, alongside their representation in the Transitional Council, suggests a move towards broader political dialogue.
Furthermore, the decision to release all political prisoners and transfer the detained PAIGC leader, Mr. Domingos Simões Pereira, from prison to house arrest is seen as a direct response to one of ECOWAS’s and the international community’s primary demands.
Perhaps most strategically, the authorities have rescinded their request for the withdrawal of the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission (ESSMGB), ensuring the continued presence of a regional stabilizing force.
ECOWAS, while welcoming these steps, maintained a firm diplomatic tone. It explicitly called on all parties to collaborate for a “peaceful and credible transition” and pointedly demanded the “full and effective release” of Mr. Pereira, indicating that house arrest is not considered a sufficient resolution. The bloc also emphasized the need for guarantees of fundamental freedoms.
This cautious ECOWAS statement reflects a wait-and-see approach, endorsing the direction of travel while making clear that the ultimate destination must be a swift return to constitutional order through democratic elections. The ball now lies in the court of Bissau’s transitional leaders to translate these announcements into irreversible actions.
