The timing of an upcoming ECOWAS high-level delegation visit to Guinea-Bissau (February 23-28) has sparked skepticism, particularly from opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira. He questions why the mission, which had been on hold for months, is now scheduled just days before President Umaro Sissoco Embaló’s term is set to end on February 27, according to the opposition.

ECOWAS official Serigne Mamadou Ka clarified that the visit aims to facilitate consensus on a date for the country’s presidential elections, following a decision made at the ECOWAS Heads of State Conference in December. Critics, however, accuse ECOWAS of inaction in addressing Guinea-Bissau’s political crisis.

Adding to the controversy, a letter allegedly signed by dissenting PAIGC members denouncing Pereira’s claim to an interim presidency has been disputed, with some supposed signatories denying their involvement and suspecting forgery. The mission’s outcome is expected to influence the country’s political future significantly.