Opposition forces in Guinea-Bissau plan to disrupt the country over the expiration date of President Embalo’s term, asserting it ends Thursday, while the Supreme Court claims it ends in September. Elections have been postponed to November 30, further complicating the political situation amidst a backdrop of coups and governmental instability. ECOWAS intends to assist in resolving the crisis but faces opposition from local leaders.
Guinea-Bissau’s opposition has declared plans to immobilize the nation amidst a contentious dispute surrounding the expiration of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s five-year term. Opposition leaders contend that Embalo’s term concludes on Thursday, whereas the Supreme Court of Justice maintains that it will end on September 4. Due to these conflicting interpretations, concerns over potential unrest have escalated within a nation marked by a history of military coups.
President Embalo announced on Sunday that the anticipated presidential and legislative elections would not occur until November 30, deepening tensions surrounding the electoral schedule following the government’s postponement of parliamentary elections, originally set for November 2024. The government cited technical and financial challenges as reasons for this delay, further complicating the electoral landscape.
Embalo, 52, a former military general, acceded to an enduring political standoff following the country’s independence from Portugal in 1974. He has reported thwarted attempts to oust him during his presidency, including an incident in December 2023 which involved gunfire and street clashes. In response, he dissolved the opposition-dominated parliament, attributing its ineffectiveness as a contributing factor to the ongoing crisis.
On a diplomatic front, President Embalo engaged in discussions in Moscow with President Vladimir Putin, while previously expressing reluctance about seeking a second term at the behest of his wife. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has indicated plans to dispatch a mission to Guinea-Bissau to mediate the escalating political dispute. However, the opposition coalition has refused to engage, alleging bias in the ECOWAS mission’s approach.
In summary, Guinea-Bissau is facing significant political tensions as opposition forces vow to paralyze the country in response to conflicting interpretations regarding President Embalo’s term expiration. The situation is exacerbated by the delayed electoral calendar and the refusal of the opposition to negotiate with ECOWAS representatives. The power struggle continues to unfold in a nation historically plagued by instability and coups, raising concerns over the potential for unrest.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
