Umaro Sissoco Embalo remains in power despite his presidential term ending February 28, 2025, refusing to resign. Domingos Simoes Pereira calls for immediate elections and reinstatement of the Assembly. Political unrest grows with protests demanding constitutional adherence and international intervention appears ineffective.
On February 28, 2025, the five-year presidential term of Umaro Sissoco Embalo officially concluded. Legally, he was expected to step down; however, he declined to do so. Domingos Simoes Pereira, head of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), emphasized the necessity for Embalo to resign without delay, asserting that a new election must be organized within 90 days instead of the November 30 date proposed by the president.
Pereira highlighted that the constitution mandates this course of action, as the Assembly’s term had also expired. He argued that the Assembly, which was dissolved by Embalo in 2023, should be reinstated promptly to facilitate the appointment of an election commission and the selection of a new constitutional court president. Many political parties and legal experts in Guinea-Bissau share this perspective, advocating for adherence to constitutional norms.
Former Prime Minister Nuno Nabiam, leader of the second-largest opposition party, API, conveyed to DW that protests will inevitably occur until constitutional order is restored. He expressed the belief that “the situation must stabilize in the country until the rule of law is restored. The constitution must be protected. I firmly believe this.”
Demonstrations by the Guinean diaspora, especially in Lisbon, Portugal, have taken place, calling for the respect of constitutional norms and for Embalo to resign. Protesters argue that, since Embalo’s term has expired, he should step down gracefully to promote democratic progress.
Since assuming power, Embalo has utilized special powers for over a year, reportedly attempting to thwart Pereira’s political maneuvers and accusing him of corruption while vowing not to appoint him as Prime Minister. According to Pedro Jandim, a representative of PAIGC in Germany, Embalo exhibits indifference toward the pressing issues facing his citizens, focusing instead on foreign matters. He noted, “Schools, hospitals are non-functional. Nothing works in Guinea-Bissau.”
Currently, Embalo appears intent on maintaining his presidency indefinitely, restricting other political parties, while fostering a government composed solely of his allies. A former military general, Embalo previously served as Prime Minister from 2016 to 2018 and was originally aligned with PAIGC before joining the splinter group MADEM G15.
Embalo has discredited opposition parties, describing them as uninformed, while he has sought support from figures like Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Interior Minister Botche Candé, a key ally of Embalo, threatened that the government would not tolerate protests, indicating that security forces would suppress any attempts to disrupt public order.
The situation in Guinea-Bissau remains tense, with military personnel deployed on the streets as citizens express anxiety over future developments. An ECOWAS delegation led by Nigerian diplomat Ambassador Bagudu Hirse visited Bissau but departed after Embalo threatened to expel them before his trip to Russia. Bubacar Ture, head of the coalition for human rights in Guinea-Bissau, expressed skepticism regarding ECOWAS’s ability to effectively address the ongoing crisis.
In summary, the political crisis in Guinea-Bissau escalates following the expiration of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s term, which he refuses to acknowledge. Domingos Simoes Pereira and various political entities advocate for a rapid election and the reinstatement of the National Assembly. Tensions are mounting both domestically and among the diaspora as citizens demand adherence to constitutional principles. The international community, particularly ECOWAS, faces challenges in influencing the situation amid threats from Embalo’s administration.
Original Source: www.dw.com
