Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Declares Candidacy for Second Term Amid Political Strife
Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo intends to run for a second term in November elections as tensions escalate with an opposition that refuses to recognize him. Following a failed mediation attempt by ECOWAS, the political scenario in Guinea-Bissau is fraught with conflict, with potential mass protests by the opposition.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has announced his intention to run for a second term in the upcoming November elections, despite ongoing political tensions with opposition members who refuse to acknowledge his presidency. The declaration coincides with a recent visit from a West African delegation from ECOWAS, which left the country after facing threats from Embalo regarding their presence in Guinea-Bissau.
Since dissolving an opposition-controlled parliament in late 2023, President Embalo has made it clear that he intends to seek re-election. He made this announcement at the airport in the capital, Bissau, following diplomatic trips to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary.
While Guinea-Bissau’s constitution permits a five-year presidential term that is renewable once, the opposition argues that Embalo’s first term should already be considered complete. His tenure has been marked by disputes over the legitimacy of the electoral processes, leading to further political instability in the country.
Embalo has stated that he will set the election date for November 30 and plans to remain in office until that time, despite the opposition’s refusal to recognize him as president. Opposition leaders are mobilizing for protests and strikes, contingent on the outcome of the ECOWAS mediation efforts.
The president claims to have survived multiple coup attempts during his time in office, the most significant of which occurred in December 2023, involving armed conflict between the national guards. This resulted in his decision to dissolve parliament, citing the body’s inaction in the face of his administration’s challenges.
In his recent diplomatic efforts, Embalo met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to explore potential economic and security partnerships, marking a shift in Guinea-Bissau’s international alliances as it seeks cooperation with emerging global powers rather than traditional Western allies.
In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo is actively pursuing a second term amid significant political turmoil and opposition challenges. His governance has been characterized by conflict and instability, leading to a strained relationship with the opposition. With elections scheduled for November and ongoing diplomatic efforts, the political landscape in Guinea-Bissau remains precariously balanced.
Original Source: www.mymotherlode.com
