President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau announced his candidacy for a second term in November amid political tensions with the opposition, who do not recognize him as president. A recent ECOWAS delegation departed after facing threats from Embalo. His tenure, marked by controversy and attempts on his life, complicates the political landscape ahead of the elections.
On March 4, 2025, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau announced his intention to seek re-election in November amidst ongoing political strife. The opposition disputes his presidency, claiming they do not recognize him as the legitimate leader. Concurrently, a delegation from ECOWAS left the country after expressing concerns about threats from Embalo.
Embalo, who dissolved the opposition-dominated parliament in late 2023, reiterated his candidacy at the Bissau airport upon returning from diplomatic visits to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary. He stated, “I will be a candidate for my own succession.”
According to Guinea-Bissau’s constitution, a president may serve two consecutive terms of five years. However, the timing of Embalo’s first term remains contentious as the opposition argues it ended on February 27, 2025, despite a Supreme Court ruling extending it until September 2024.
The presidential election is scheduled for November 30, 2025, and Embalo contends he will remain in office until that date. The opposition, having declared their refusal to recognize him, anticipates organizing mass protests and strikes, contingent on the outcome of the ECOWAS mission.
Embalo claims to have endured two coup attempts in the past three years, most recently in December 2023, which led to a confrontation between national and presidential guards. Following these events, he blamed the opposition for inaction and dissolved parliament. Last week, he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to explore new economic and security partnerships as Russia’s influence grows in Africa.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s announcement to run for a second term has intensified the political tension in Guinea-Bissau, with the opposition contesting the legitimacy of his current presidency. The upcoming election, scheduled for November 30, 2025, could further deepen the crisis, especially as the opposition plans protests. Embalo’s recent meetings with international leaders signal a potential shift in foreign alliances.
Original Source: halifax.citynews.ca
