Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has officially announced his candidacy for a second term amid significant political strife. His presidency is disputed by the opposition, which argues his term should have ended earlier this year. The government faces potential mass protests as opposition leaders seek to challenge his authority while ECOWAS efforts at resolution falter.
In a significant declaration amidst ongoing political strife, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has announced his intention to seek a second presidential term in November. His announcement follows mounting tensions with an opposition that has consistently refused to acknowledge his presidency. According to Embalo, the election is scheduled for November 30, and he asserts his right to remain in office until that date, despite opposition claims that his term should have concluded earlier.
The opposition contends that Embalo’s presidency should be regarded as having ended on February 27, 2023, following the initial disputes surrounding his election in November 2019, which took months for the Supreme Court to validate. This political discord intensified after Embalo dissolved the opposition-led parliament late last year, accusing it of inaction. The ongoing unrest has prompted threats from the opposition to organize protests and strikes in response to his continued presidency.
Furthermore, a recent delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) departed Guinea-Bissau after reportedly facing expulsion threats from President Embalo during their effort to mediate the political crisis. Despite his turbulent tenure, Embalo has survived attempts on his presidency, including a violent incident in December 2023 involving a military shootout. Following this, he pursued international dialogues, notably with Russian President Vladimir Putin, to strengthen economic and security relations.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s decision to run for a second term in a politically hostile environment reflects the complex dynamics of Guinea-Bissau’s governance. Battling opposition claims and previous coups, he underscores his commitment to remain in leadership until the electoral process concludes. The country now faces uncertain political waters with possible protests looming, as external mediations seem to falter.
Original Source: www.mymotherlode.com
