The Senegalese government has launched a decisive diplomatic offensive in Guinea-Bissau, following its mandate from West African leaders to facilitate a return to constitutional order. On Thursday, a high-powered delegation led by Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang met with Guinea-Bissau’s transitional president, General Horta Ntam, to outline a structured mediation framework ahead of the country’s critical constitutional referendum.

This mission marks Senegal’s first major diplomatic engagement since the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) summit in Freetown last month. During that regional gathering, ECOWAS designated Dakar as the lead mediator in Guinea-Bissau’s political crisis, triggered by the November 2025 military takeover that ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and suspended electoral processes.

Minister Niang, accompanied by Defense Minister Yankoba Diémé, presented a phased transition plan designed to guide Guinea-Bissau back to civilian rule. The proposal emphasizes a gradual approach, with multiple negotiation stages culminating in the restoration of constitutional governance. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination to formalize talks in the coming weeks, ensuring alignment with the constitutional referendum scheduled for August 30, 2026.

Guinea-Bissau has been in political paralysis since the coup, with the transitional government working to establish a legal framework for the referendum. The vote, which will propose amendments to the country’s constitution, represents a pivotal step toward re-establishing democratic processes under intense international scrutiny.