Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo to Seek Second Term Amid Political Crisis

Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has announced his candidacy for re-election in November despite facing opposition rejection and political turmoil. A recent ECOWAS delegation left after alleged threats from Embalo. His term’s legitimacy is disputed, with the opposition claiming it expired earlier this year. The situation remains tense as elections approach, with possible protests looming.

In a recent announcement, Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo declared his intention to run for a second presidential term in the upcoming elections scheduled for November. This comes amid considerable political strife, as the opposition has refused to acknowledge his presidency. Tensions escalated when a delegation from the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, which sought to mediate the political crisis, left the country following alleged threats of expulsion from President Embalo.

President Embalo, who dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament in late 2023, confirmed his candidacy at an airport press conference after returning from visits to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary. He stated, “I will be a candidate for my own succession.” Under Guinea-Bissau’s constitution, the presidential term is five years, which allows him to seek re-election; however, the legitimacy of his initial term is contested by opposition figures.

The complications surrounding Embalo’s presidency include his electoral victory on November 24, 2019, and subsequent acknowledgment by the Supreme Court on September 4, 2020, following opposition challenges. Leaders of the opposing forces have asserted that his term should concluded by February 27, 2023, but Embalo insists it extends until the court’s acknowledgment. With elections set for November 30, the opposition continues to reject Embalo’s authority and has threatened mass protests if their demands are not addressed.

In the past three years, President Embalo has survived two coup attempts, the latter of which involved violence between the national and presidential guards in December 2023. Following this incident, he accused the opposition parliament of inaction, resulting in its dissolution. Notably, Embalo’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted growing bilateral relations in security and economic domains as Russia increasingly supports various African governments.

Overall, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s announcement to run for a second term is set against a backdrop of political unrest and opposition resistance. The upcoming elections in November 2023 could significantly impact Guinea-Bissau’s fragile political landscape. As tensions rise, the role of international mediators like ECOWAS remains crucial in addressing the ongoing crisis.

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s decision to pursue a second term in the forthcoming elections amid significant political turmoil poses a challenge to stability in Guinea-Bissau. The opposition disputes the legitimacy of his presidency, and threats of protests loom large. The involvement of ECOWAS might prove vital as the country navigates through this complex political landscape.

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