Guinea-Bissau opposition denounces ECOWAS interference in constitutional referendum plans

The opposition in Guinea-Bissau has accused the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of “unacceptable interference” after an ECOWAS envoy announced that the country’s new constitution would be put to a popular referendum. In a statement issued by the campaign of Fernando Dias da Costa, the opposition condemned the envoy’s remarks as “politically inadmissible” and a breach of the nation’s sovereignty, noting that only the Guinean people can decide on the constitution.

The new constitution, approved by the National Transition Council that replaced parliament following the November 2025 coup, is set to be submitted to a referendum. The Council has already passed a law authorising the referendum, which will be signed by transitional President General Horta Inta‑a. Critics say the draft concentrates power in the presidency, expanding the head of state’s authority over the prime minister and the National Assembly.

Guinea-Bissau remains suspended from ECOWAS, the African Union and the Community of Portuguese‑Speaking Countries after the coup that ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. The opposition’s protest highlights tensions between the transitional authorities and regional bodies over the country’s democratic future.