Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo to Seek Second Term Amid Crisis
Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the President of Guinea-Bissau, has announced his candidacy for a second term in the November elections amid significant opposition claiming he is illegitimate. Political tensions have escalated following his dissolution of opposition-controlled parliament. The situation is complicated by international involvement and prior coup attempts against him.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau announced his candidacy for a second term in the upcoming November elections, amidst ongoing political strife. Tensions have risen with an opposition that does not acknowledge his presidency, following Embalo’s controversial dissolution of the opposition-led parliament in late 2023. His announcement coincides with a recent visit to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary that he referred to during a press conference at the Bissau airport,
where he asserted, “I will be a candidate for my own succession.”
Guinea-Bissau’s constitution permits a five-year presidential term, extendable once, and despite the opposition contending that Embalo’s term has ended, the Supreme Court ruled it valid until September 4, following his election on November 24, 2019. Amid claims of electoral irregularities, Embalo’s right to run for reelection is contentious, with the opposition threatening to mobilize protests against his legitimacy. Furthermore, Embalo has reported surviving two coup attempts over the past three years, heightening the nation’s political instability.
The current situation burst into public consciousness after an ECOWAS delegation, sent to mediate the conflict, left Guinea-Bissau amid reported threats from Embalo’s government. With the elections scheduled for November 30, and the opposition’s ongoing refusal to recognize Embalo, political tensions continue to build. Recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin highlight Embalo’s pivot to new international partnerships, reflecting a broader trend of African nations looking beyond traditional Western alliances.
In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau plans to seek re-election despite significant political unrest and opposition challenges regarding his legitimacy. His expressed intention to remain in power until the scheduled elections further complicates the already volatile political landscape of the nation. With possible consequences looming from the opposition and evolving foreign relations, the situation in Guinea-Bissau remains fraught with uncertainty.
Original Source: www.mymotherlode.com
