Guinea-Bissau Opposition Plans National Paralyzation Over Election Dispute

Opposition leaders in Guinea-Bissau intend to immobilize the country over a dispute regarding President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s term expiration. While the opposition claims it ends on Thursday, the Supreme Court indicates September 4. Embalo announced elections would not occur until November 30, prompting fears of unrest in a historically unstable region.

Guinea-Bissau’s opposition has announced plans to paralyze the nation on a specified date amidst a significant dispute regarding the expiration of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s term. Opponents assert that his five-year mandate concludes on Thursday, while the Supreme Court of Justice has designated September 4 as the end date. Ambiguity surrounding the electoral calendar has heightened tensions, prompting fears of potential unrest in a country historically marked by military coups.

President Embalo declared that both presidential and legislative elections would be postponed until November 30, further complicating the electoral timeline. A coalition led by the former ruling PAIGC party and the Cabaz Garandi coalition echoed their intentions with strong statements, asserting, “We are going to paralyse the country completely… Bissau will be a dead city.” The government has indefinitely delayed parliamentary elections scheduled for November 2024 due to purported technical and financial challenges.

Embalo, a former army general, is contending with a longstanding political stalemate in Guinea-Bissau, which has been beset by instability since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. Following two alleged assassination attempts during his presidency, the most recent occurring in December 2023, he reacted by dissolving the opposition-controlled parliament, citing its inaction as a concern.

While in Moscow for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Embalo previously indicated that his wife had advised against his candidacy for a second term. The West African regional organization, ECOWAS, intends to send a mission to Guinea-Bissau to mediate the political calendar conflict. However, the opposition coalition has declined to engage with ECOWAS representatives, accusing the mission of partiality.

The political landscape in Guinea-Bissau remains fraught with tension as the opposition threatens nationwide protests over disputed election timelines. The conflict has exposed deep divisions and fears of unrest, particularly as the government delays parliamentary elections amid claims of technical difficulties. With a history of instability and military coups, the resolution of this situation is crucial for the nation’s future stability.

Original Source: www.usnews.com