BISSAU, Aug. 8 — Senegal has begun its role as facilitator of Guinea-Bissau’s political transition following its appointment by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang said on Thursday.
Niang made the remarks after meeting Guinea-Bissau’s transitional President Horta Inta-A during an official visit to Bissau. He said the Senegalese delegation had informed Inta-A of the country’s appointment and would also hold talks with transitional Prime Minister Ilidio Vieira Te as part of efforts to facilitate the electoral process. The visit was also intended to formally convey to Guinea-Bissau’s transitional authorities the decisions adopted at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held on July 19 in Lungi, Sierra Leone, Niang said. The ECOWAS summit appointed Senegal as facilitator to support dialogue toward an inclusive and orderly restoration of constitutional rule in Guinea-Bissau. It also urged the transitional authorities to ensure transparency and inclusiveness in a constitutional referendum scheduled for Aug. 30 and general elections set for Dec. 6. Niang was accompanied by Senegalese Armed Forces Minister Yankhoba Dieme and other government officials.
Guinea-Bissau’s Foreign Minister Fatumata Jau said the visit reflected continuing dialogue among ECOWAS member states and reaffirmed the transitional government’s commitment to the electoral timetable. Guinea-Bissau has been under military-led transitional rule since a coup in November 2025 disrupted presidential and legislative elections before the results were announced.
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