Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has declared his candidacy for a second term amid political tensions with the opposition, which does not recognize him as president. A recent ECOWAS delegation left the country after threats from Embalo. The opposition argues his term ended earlier, while Embalo insists he remains in power until elections on November 30.
BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau (AP) — President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has announced his intention to run for a second term amidst ongoing political strife. The opposition continues to challenge his legitimacy as the current president, refusing to recognize his administration. Embalo’s declaration follows a recent trip to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, where he affirmed his candidacy for the upcoming elections scheduled for November 30.
Amid these developments, a delegation from ECOWAS, the West African regional bloc, left Guinea-Bissau after reportedly facing expulsion threats from Embalo. The President dissolved the opposition-led parliament in late 2023 and has argued that the constitution allows for his reelection. However, opposition leaders contend that Embalo’s initial term effectively concluded on February 27, 2023, an assertion contested by the Supreme Court, which extended his term until September 4, 2023.
Embaldo’s candidacy announcement could further exacerbate existing tensions within the country, which has experienced numerous coups since its independence over half a century ago. He won the presidential election on November 24, 2019, but faced significant resistance from the opposition, which disputed the outcome. They have vowed to stage protests and strikes while observing the effectiveness of the recent ECOWAS intervention.
The President has survived two coup attempts in the past three years, with the latest incident occurring in December 2023, involving a confrontation between government forces. Following this, he accused the parliament of inactivity and proceeded to dissolve it. Recently, Embalo engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning economic and security collaboration, signaling a shift in Guinea-Bissau’s international alliances.
In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s announcement to run for a second term is set against a backdrop of considerable political unrest and opposition challenges. His administration’s legitimacy remains contested, further complicated by the dissolution of an opposition-controlled parliament and threats faced by international mediators. As the country braces for elections, tensions are anticipated to rise, with potential mass protests on the horizon.
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