Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo plans to run for re-election amid political turmoil and opposition refusal to recognize his presidency. His intent follows the dissolution of the opposition-dominated parliament and a recent ECOWAS mission that faced expulsion threats. The political landscape remains tense, with the opposition claiming his term has already ended, amidst ongoing instability and diplomatic efforts with Russia.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has declared his intention to seek a second presidential term in the upcoming elections scheduled for November. This announcement comes amidst ongoing political strife, with the opposition challenging his legitimacy and refusing to recognize him as president. Adding to the tensions, a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) withdrew after experiencing what they described as threats of expulsion from Embalo.
Embalo, who took office on February 27, 2020, after winning the election on November 24, 2019, faces contention over the timeline of his current term. The opposition claims that his term ended earlier in 2023, following their interpretation of constitutional mandates. However, Embalo argues that the Supreme Court’s ruling allows him to remain in office until September.
The political landscape of Guinea-Bissau is precarious, marked by multiple coup attempts and instability. The president claims to have survived two assassination attempts in recent years, the latest of which occurred in December 2023. Following that incident, he dissolved the opposition-led parliament, citing its failure to act decisively against his administration.
In recent diplomatic outreach, Embalo met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss potential cooperation on economic and security issues. This meeting reflects Guinea-Bissau’s shifting alliances as it seeks to strengthen partnerships traditionally held with Western countries like France and the United States.
In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has announced his candidacy for a second term in a politically charged environment, facing opposition claims regarding the legitimacy of his presidency. The situation is complicated by the involvement of ECOWAS and ongoing instability characterized by previous coup attempts. As Guinea-Bissau navigates these dynamics, Embalo’s engagement with alternative global partners like Russia signals strategic shifts within the nation’s foreign relations.
Original Source: apnews.com
