Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Announces Second Term Bid Amidst Political Tensions

Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has declared his candidacy for a second term amid political discord with the opposition. The ECOWAS delegation’s departure, reportedly due to threats from Embalo, adds to the tension. With elections set for November, the opposition contests his legitimacy, escalating calls for protests as Embalo navigates political unrest following multiple coup attempts.

Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has announced his intention to seek a second term in the upcoming elections scheduled for November. This declaration comes amidst ongoing political tensions, as the opposition refuses to acknowledge him as the legitimate president. A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), tasked with mediating the political crisis, has recently departed the country after allegedly facing threats of expulsion from Embalo.

During his announcement made at the airport in Bissau, following foreign trips to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, Embalo stated, “I will be a candidate for my own succession.” Although Guinea-Bissau’s constitution permits a five-year presidential term, with one renewal allowed, the opposition claims his term should have concluded earlier. The complexities surrounding the election and his presidency have heightened tensions in this West African nation.

Embalo’s presidential journey began with an election victory on November 24, 2019, followed by his swearing-in on February 27, 2020. However, the opposition contested the election results, resulting in the Supreme Court recognizing his presidency only on September 4. The conflict primarily revolves around the assertion that Embalo’s term ended on February 27, 2025, per opposition claims.

He set the election date for November 30 and asserts his right to remain in office until then, despite the opposition’s refusal to recognize his presidency. They have voiced plans for mass protests and strikes, contingent upon the outcome of the ECOWAS mission. Notably, Embalo has survived multiple coup attempts, and following one of these events, he dissolved the parliament controlled by the opposition, citing their inaction.

Moreover, Embalo has recently engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on potential economic and security partnerships. This move indicates a shift in alliances, as Russia becomes increasingly prominent in African security matters, overshadowing traditional partners like France and the United States.

In conclusion, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s announcement to run for a second term raises significant political tensions in Guinea-Bissau as the opposition continues to challenge his legitimacy. The involvement of ECOWAS in seeking resolution highlights the ongoing struggle within the nation. The outcome of the upcoming elections, along with Embalo’s foreign engagements, may profoundly impact Guinea-Bissau’s political landscape.

Original Source: halifax.citynews.ca