Guinea-Bissau’s opposition plans to paralyze the country in response to President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s term controversy. They contend that his term ends on Thursday, contrary to the Supreme Court’s ruling that it lasts until September 4. Elections have been delayed until November, heightening tensions amidst a history of political unrest and coup attempts.
In Guinea-Bissau, the opposition has pledged to bring the nation to a halt on Thursday as tensions rise over the end of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s five-year term. Opposition leaders assert that his mandate concludes on the day in question, but the Supreme Court of Justice maintains that it lasts until September 4. Embalo announced that presidential and legislative elections will not take place until November 30, exacerbating the situation in a country marked by a history of coups.
On Tuesday, the PAI Terra Ranka coalition, along with the Cabaz Garandi coalition, declared, “We are going to paralyse the country completely on February 27 … Bissau will be a dead city.” They are reacting to the government’s postponement of parliamentary elections initially scheduled for November 2024, citing technical and financial issues that have disrupted the electoral calendar.
Embolo, a former army general, inherited a political deadlock following a history of unrest since Guinea-Bissau’s independence from Portugal in 1974. He noted that two coup attempts occurred during his presidency, including a recent incident in December 2023 that prompted him to dissolve the opposition-controlled parliament, criticizing it for its inaction in light of ongoing conflicts and gunfire.
Amidst these developments, Embalo traveled to Moscow for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, revealing that his wife previously advised against him seeking a second term. In an effort to mediate the escalating conflict regarding the political timeline, the West African regional bloc ECOWAS announced plans to deploy a mission to Guinea-Bissau. However, the opposition expressed reluctance to engage with the ECOWAS representatives, accusing them of bias.
In summary, the political landscape in Guinea-Bissau is fraught with tension as the opposition seeks to disrupt the country over disagreements regarding President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s term duration. With elections postponed and a history of instability, the involvement of ECOWAS aims to ameliorate the situation. However, the opposition’s refusal to meet with ECOWAS representatives complicates efforts toward resolution.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
