The Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff of the Economic Community of West African States has firmly denied allegations of attempted bribery involving members of its delegation during an official mission to Guinea-Bissau from June 19 to 23, 2026.
In a statement issued in Freetown, the committee described the accusations as “completely false” and lacking any factual basis, stressing that no member of the delegation was approached, solicited, or involved in any act of corruption during the visit.
The mission focused on consultations with national authorities and stakeholders on the implementation of the mandate of the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau, as well as issues relating to peace, security, and the country’s transition process.
The committee noted that neither the mission leadership nor the management of the hotel where delegates stayed received any complaint or evidence supporting the allegations.
It added that the country’s transitional parliament and hotel management had publicly rejected the claims, confirming that the delegation’s stay proceeded without incident.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, integrity, and transparency, the regional military body called on media organizations and other actors to exercise greater caution when reporting on security-related matters.
Meanwhile, the National Transitional Council announced legal action against journalist Paula Borges over the publication that triggered the controversy, describing the allegations as unfounded rumors.
