Guinea-Bissau President to Seek Reelection Amid Political Unrest

Umaro Sissoco Embalo, President of Guinea-Bissau, will run for a second term in November despite opposition claims that he is not the legitimate president. Tensions are heightened following his dissolution of parliament and recent conflicts with opposition forces. The situation is complicated by a recent ECOWAS delegation’s departure due to threats from Embalo, alongside his recent engagements with Russia.

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has announced his intent to seek a second term in the upcoming elections scheduled for November, amid ongoing political unrest and opposition challenges regarding his presidency. Tensions have escalated, particularly as the opposition continues to dispute his legitimacy as president following his controversial election victory in 2019.

A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had recently visited Guinea-Bissau in an attempt to mediate the political crisis but left after allegedly facing threats of expulsion from Mr. Embalo. He dismissed the opposition-controlled parliament late last year, intensifying political conflicts since his inauguration.

While the constitution permits Embalo to run for a second term, the details surrounding the legitimacy of his first term remain contentious. The opposition contends that his term should have concluded in February, while the Supreme Court has extended it until September. Meanwhile, opposition leaders prepare for potential large-scale protests in response to Embalo’s continued presidency.

Embalo, who claims that he has survived multiple coup attempts in recent years, also recently engaged with Russian President Vladimir Putin, seeking to strengthen economic and security alliances. This engagement reflects a shifting dynamic in African geopolitics as countries increasingly turn to Russia for support over traditional Western allies like France and the United States.

In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s decision to run for reelection arises amid significant political turmoil and opposition rejection of his presidency. With a polarized political landscape, the conflict over his legitimacy may lead to further unrest in Guinea-Bissau as the country approaches the November elections. The role of international mediators, such as ECOWAS, remains critical in addressing this crisis.

Original Source: apnews.com