Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo will seek a second term amid political turmoil, following opposition challenges to his presidency. A recent ECOWAS delegation left amid threats from Embalo. His efforts include establishing economic ties with Russia, amidst concerns over his political legitimacy and potential protests from opposition parties.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has announced his candidacy for a second term in the elections scheduled for November 30, amidst rising political tensions with the opposition. This announcement comes shortly after a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) left the country, reportedly due to threats of expulsion from Embalo. The political environment remains fraught as the opposition challenges the legitimacy of his presidency.
Embalo previously dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament in late 2023 after numerous political crises, including attempts on his life. He stated at the airport in Bissau following a diplomatic trip, “I will be a candidate for my own succession.” The constitution permits him to seek a second term; however, the ongoing disputes about the length of his first term complicate the situation. The opposition claims his presidency should have concluded in February 2025, although the Supreme Court has ruled otherwise, extending it until September 2025.
The political landscape in Guinea-Bissau is marked by instability, with the country experiencing several coups since its independence from Portugal over fifty years ago. Following the 2019 election, which the opposition contested fiercely, the Supreme Court ultimately affirmed Embalo’s victory in September 2020. Despite this ruling, the opposition has refused to recognize him, threatening mass protests and strikes as they await resolution from the ECOWAS mission.
Additionally, during a recent meeting, Embalo engaged with Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning future economic and security partnerships. This interaction highlights the shift in alliances for African nations, with Russia increasingly stepping in as a preferred ally over traditional partners like France and the United States. Embalo’s presidency and future election are critical not only for national stability but also for how Guinea-Bissau positions itself geopolitically.
In conclusion, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s announcement to run for a second term amidst significant political turmoil poses a challenge to the stability of Guinea-Bissau. As opposition factions question the legitimacy of his presidency and plan potential protests, the involvement of ECOWAS in resolving these issues remains uncertain. Furthermore, Embalo’s emerging ties with Russia may signal a strategic pivot for the nation’s foreign relations moving forward.
Original Source: halifax.citynews.ca
