Amid rising regional tensions and a critical political transition in Guinea, leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have issued a strong call for de-escalation and dialogue in response to the ongoing border dispute between Guinea and Sierra Leone.
The issue was addressed during the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held on June 22, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria.
The summit, which gathered leaders from across the region, focused heavily on Guinea’s fragile political trajectory as well as growing territorial strains with its southern neighbour.
In its closing communiqué, ECOWAS reiterated its demand for Guinea to adhere to the agreed transition timeline and return to constitutional order by the end of 2025.
The Authority urged Guinean officials to speed up the formation of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Committee with ECOWAS, seen as vital for overseeing the transition roadmap.
It further encouraged the Guinean government to swiftly present its financial and logistical needs to facilitate international support.
To reinforce these steps, ECOWAS mandated its Commission to deploy a high-level political mission to Conakry, tasked with holding consultations on key aspects of the transition, including election scheduling and ensuring an inclusive electoral process.
However, concern over Guinea’s external tensions also featured prominently.
The session highlighted the growing strain along the Guinea-Sierra Leone border and launched a direct appeal for calm and demilitarization of the contested area.
“ECOWAS calls on both states to prioritise dialogue and existing regional mechanisms to resolve this dispute peacefully,” the communiqué stated.
The Commission has been instructed to send an immediate fact-finding mission to both countries to better understand the situation and recommend de-escalation strategies.
In a gesture of regional solidarity, the Authority praised the mediation efforts of Guinea-Bissau’s President, General Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who has taken on the role of facilitator in the ongoing dispute.
Leaders encouraged him to continue his efforts to bridge differences between the two neighbouring nations.
As West Africa navigates a period marked by political transitions and border frictions, ECOWAS is seeking to reassert its role as both a stabilising force and mediator in a region facing multifaceted challenges.
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