Senegal has started its role as facilitator of Guinea-Bissau’s political transition after being appointed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang announced the move on Thursday after meeting Guinea-Bissau’s transitional President Horta Inta-A during an official visit to Bissau.
Niang said Senegal had formally informed the transitional authorities of its new mandate and would also engage with Transitional Prime Minister Ilidio Vieira Te as part of efforts to support the electoral process.
The visit also sought to communicate decisions from the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held on July 19 in Lungi, Sierra Leone. ECOWAS appointed Senegal to facilitate dialogue aimed at ensuring an inclusive and orderly return to constitutional rule in Guinea-Bissau. The regional bloc has also urged authorities to guarantee transparency and inclusiveness in a constitutional referendum scheduled for August 30 and general elections planned for December 6.
Guinea-Bissau has been under military-led transitional rule since a coup in November 2025 disrupted presidential and legislative elections before results were announced.