The Economic Community of West African States has lifted all remaining sanctions imposed on Guinea following the military takeover in 2021, marking the country’s full return to the regional bloc.
The decision was taken by ECOWAS heads of state and government during a summit held in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, according to a statement issued on Wednesday.
ECOWAS said a presidential election held in December and the subsequent legal transfer of power to President Mamadi Doumbouya had helped create conditions favourable to the restoration of democratic governance and respect for the rule of law in Guinea.
“All sanctions imposed on the Republic of Guinea in the context of efforts to restore constitutional order are hereby lifted,” the statement said. It was signed by Julius Maada Bio, ECOWAS chair and president of Sierra Leone.
Guinea was suspended from ECOWAS and subjected to sanctions after a military coup in 2021. However, the bloc said those measures had become unnecessary following the completion of the country’s political transition.
The move confirms Guinea’s full reintegration into ECOWAS decision making bodies and regional institutions.
ECOWAS also urged the Guinean authorities to continue strengthening democratic practices, good governance, and the rule of law as the country moves forward after the transition period.