On the role of the military, the Guinean researchers and academics said “Completely excluding them can make implementing the (proposed transition) agreement difficult; giving them permanent political control (will) also… complicate the political situation in the country. Embaló is believed to be friendly with Faye and the immediate past-Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio. The ECOWAS Freetown summit “noted the ongoing efforts in Guinea-Bissau to complete the political transition in the country, through holding a constitutional referendum scheduled for 30 August 2026, and general elections set for 6 December 2026. In particular, the Conference called on the transitional regime in Guinea-Bissau to prioritize inclusion in all processes leading to the swift restoration of constitutional order.” It also urged the Commission to provide moral and security assurances to all stakeholders, notably through the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission.