U.S. President
(Photo: White House)
By Mustapha Ceesay
The United States expressed its support of ECOWAS sanctions on Guinea, amid a slow transition to democracy, following the military coup on 5th September 2021.
“The United States commends the strong actions taken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in defense of democracy in Guinea following its Extraordinary Summit…in New York City. We share the ECOWAS’ concern that the transition government has not made progress towards establishing a transition and organizing elections. The United States supports ECOWAS’ actions designed to encourage the transition government to move Guinea quickly toward a constitutional, civilian-led democracy through a transparent and consultative progress,” a statement by the Department of State said on Tuesday.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed diplomatic, economic, and financial sanctions on Guinea at an Extraordinary Summit in New York, U.S. on the margins of the UN General Assembly on 22nd September 2022.
The sanctions that include freezing of financial assets and travel ban, target individuals and groups believed to be preventing the country’s swift return to constitutional order within a reasonable timeframe, following the coup last year.
The Summit was Chaired by H.E. Umaro Sissoco Embalo, President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau and Chair of the ECOWAS Authority.