President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has announced his candidacy for a second term in Guinea-Bissau amidst political turmoil, with the opposition contesting his legitimacy. An ECOWAS delegation left after facing intimidation, and tensions rise with planned protests from the opposition as the November election approaches.
In a significant political announcement, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau declared his intention to seek a second term in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for November. This declaration arises amid ongoing political tensions, as the opposition refuses to acknowledge his presidency. Meanwhile, an ECOWAS delegation, tasked with mediating the country’s political crisis, departed after reportedly facing threats of expulsion from President Embalo.
Embalo, who previously dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament in late 2023, affirmed his candidacy at the airport in Bissau following international trips to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary. He stated, “I will be a candidate for my own succession.” Notably, while Guinea-Bissau’s constitution permits a five-year presidential term, the legitimacy of Embalo’s current term is contested by the opposition, who assert that it has already concluded.
Since gaining independence from Portugal over five decades ago, Guinea-Bissau has experienced a history of political instability, including multiple coups. Although Embalo was declared the victor of the November 2019 election and sworn in on February 27, 2020, the opposition challenged the election results, and the Supreme Court did not validate his victory until September 4, 2020. Opposition leaders now argue that his term officially ended on February 27, 2023, while Embalo maintains that it extends until September 4.
The president announced that the election would take place on November 30 and insists that he will remain in office until that date, despite the opposition’s refusal to recognize his legitimacy. Leaders of the opposition are contemplating organizing mass protests and strikes, awaiting the outcome of the ECOWAS mission. Amidst these developments, President Embalo has reportedly survived two coup attempts within the past three years, the latest of which occurred in December 2023, prompting him to dissolve the parliament due to its inaction.
Additionally, President Embalo’s diplomatic engagements included meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on enhancing economic and security ties, particularly as Russia’s influence expands within Africa, overtaking former allies such as France and the United States.
In conclusion, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s announcement to run for a second term injects further complication into the already volatile political landscape of Guinea-Bissau. His term is contentious, with the opposition contesting his legitimacy, and the country’s history of coups intensifies the potential for unrest. As the election date approaches, tensions may escalate further, especially in light of ongoing discussions with international partners.
Original Source: www.mymotherlode.com
