ECOWAS lifts Guinea sanctions following presidential election

The Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, lifted on Wednesday all sanctions imposed on Guinea following the 2021 military coup that ousted former president Alpha Condé.

The 15-member bloc said the decision followed Guinea's presidential election held on December 28, 2025, the legal transfer of power, and inauguration of President Mamadi Doumbouya on 17 January 2026, a development which ECOWAS said has legitimized the current government.

The level of Heads of State and Government meeting chaired by ECOWAS Chairman and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, congratulated Doumbouya on his election and inauguration, while stressing that the bloc "remains actively seized of the situation in Guinea".

The bloc underscored the need for the Guinean government to intensify efforts aimed at consolidating democracy, good governance and the rule of law, as well as economic and social development.

"We encourage the Government of Guinea to leverage the restoration of constitutional order to intensify national dialogue among all Guinean stakeholders to ensure greater inclusivity, social cohesion and national consensus in the lead-up to the legislative elections and beyond," the communique stated.

ECOWAS fully reintegrated Guinea in all their decision-making organs and regional integration activities of the community and urged the African Union, the United Nations and all international partners to continue their support towards stabilization, consolidation of democracy and sustainable development in the West African country.

victor@chinadailyafrica.com