President Umaro Sissoco Embalo aims for a second term in Guinea-Bissau, despite opposition claims questioning his legitimacy. His actions, including dissolving the parliament, have intensified political tensions as elections approach. The situation is compounded by threats against ECOWAS delegates and impending protests from opposition leaders.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has announced his intention to seek a second term in office during the upcoming elections scheduled for November. This decision comes amidst claims from the opposition that he is not the legitimate president of the country. A delegation from ECOWAS, the West African regional organization, recently departed from Guinea-Bissau, citing concerns over potential deportation threats against their team.
In late 2023, President Embalo dissolved the parliament, which was dominated by opposition members. Upon his return to Guinea-Bissau after visits to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, he confirmed his candidacy at the airport, emphasizing his commitment to continue leading despite political unrest. Guinea-Bissau’s constitution permits a five-year presidential term that can be renewed once, which technically allows Embalo to run again, although the details surrounding his current term are contentious.
Embalo was elected on November 24, 2019, and officially inaugurated on February 27, 2020, but opposition parties contested the election results. The Supreme Court ultimately recognized his victory almost seven months later, on September 4. The opposition argues that his presidential term should have concluded on February 27, 2023, yet the Supreme Court ruled that it would extend until September 4.
With elections scheduled for November 30, Embalo plans to remain in power until that date. However, the opposition has rejected his presidency since last week, forecasting significant protests and strikes while awaiting the effectiveness of the ECOWAS mission. Additionally, Embalo has reported surviving two coup attempts in his three years in office, with the latest attempt occurring in December 2023, leading him to accuse the opposition-controlled parliament of idleness and subsequently dissolve it.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s pursuit of a second term amid ongoing political strife in Guinea-Bissau highlights the nation’s turbulent governance history. His claims of legitimacy are contested by the opposition, who argue that his term has already expired. With looming elections and potential protests, the political climate remains unstable as stakeholders await decisive actions from both local authorities and ECOWAS.
Original Source: www.tvcnews.tv
