ECOWAS defence chiefs deny bribery allegations during Guinea-Bissau mission

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) has dismissed allegations that members of its delegation were involved in or exposed to bribery during an official mission to Guinea-Bissau.

The committee described the claims as false, baseless and unsupported by any evidence.

In a statement issued in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Wednesday, the CCDS said it had taken note of media reports and social media publications alleging that an attempted bribery incident occurred during the delegation’s visit to Guinea-Bissau between June 19 and 23.

The regional military body categorically denied the allegations, insisting that no member of the delegation was approached with, offered, or involved in any act of bribery or improper inducement throughout the mission.

According to the statement, no complaint, report or evidence relating to the allegations was brought before the delegation, the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB), or the Bissau Royal Hotel where the delegation was accommodated.

“The CCDS categorically rejects these allegations as entirely false, unfounded and without any factual basis,” the statement said.

The committee further pointed to public clarifications issued by Guinea-Bissau’s Transitional National Council and the management of the Bissau Royal Hotel, both of which reportedly refuted the allegations and stated that there was no evidence to support the claims.

“The hotel management also confirmed that it had not received any complaint from members of the ECOWAS delegation during their stay”, it added.

According to the CCDS, the delegation’s accommodation and official engagements proceeded smoothly and satisfactorily throughout the visit.

“The mission formed part of ECOWAS’ ongoing efforts to support peace, security and political stability in Guinea-Bissau.

“During the visit, the delegation held consultations with national authorities and key stakeholders on the implementation of the revised mandate of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau.

“Discussions also focused on the mission’s operational requirements, the planned drawdown and withdrawal process, as well as issues relating to security and stability in the country”, the statement noted.

The committee said the delegation successfully achieved all objectives outlined for the mission.

Reaffirming its commitment to ethical conduct, the CCDS stressed that professionalism, integrity, transparency and accountability remain central to all ECOWAS operations and engagements across the region.

The committee also called on stakeholders, journalists and media organisations to exercise caution and verify information before publication, particularly on matters relating to regional peace and security.

“The delegation therefore urges all stakeholders and media practitioners to exercise due diligence and adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and responsibility when reporting on matters of regional peace and security,” the statement added.

The CCDS expressed appreciation to the authorities of Guinea-Bissau, the leadership of the ESSMGB and other stakeholders for their cooperation and support during the mission.