Opposition in Guinea-Bissau Threatens National Disruption Amid Election Dispute
Guinea-Bissau’s opposition plans to disrupt the nation on February 27, disputing President Embalo’s term expiration, which they claim occurs this week. The Supreme Court says it ends in September, while elections are postponed to November 30. Tensions rise as the opposition announces intentions to paralyze the city, reflecting the country’s history of instability and coups.
The opposition in Guinea-Bissau has announced plans to disrupt the nation on February 27, in response to a disagreement regarding the expiration date of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s five-year term. While opposition leaders assert that Embalo’s mandate concludes on Thursday, the Supreme Court of Justice maintains that it extends until September 4. Embalo has declared that presidential and legislative elections will now occur on November 30, further escalating tensions in a country with a history of political instability and military coups.
In a statement from the PAI Terra Ranka coalition, led by the former ruling PAIGC party, opposition leaders declared, “We are going to paralyze the country completely on February 27 … Bissau will be a dead city.” This declaration follows the indefinite postponement of parliamentary elections initially scheduled for November 2024 due to alleged technical and financial challenges, complicating the electoral process.
President Embalo, a former army general who assumed office under tumultuous circumstances, indicated that he has faced two coup attempts during his tenure. The most recent incident occurred in December 2023, prompting Embalo to dissolve the opposition-controlled parliament, citing its inaction. During this period of unrest, gunfire and clashes erupted in the capital, accentuating the precarious nature of the political landscape.
As foreign relations unfold, President Embalo engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite urging from his spouse against seeking a second term in office. The West African regional bloc ECOWAS has proposed sending a mission to Guinea-Bissau to mediate the electoral calendar dispute. However, the opposition has declined to engage with ECOWAS representatives, alleging a lack of impartiality.
The escalating tensions in Guinea-Bissau stem from a disagreement over the electoral timetable and the expiration date of President Embalo’s term, prompting the opposition to announce a national strike. With historical precedents of political unrest, the situation remains fragile as the opposition seeks to disrupt the government’s plans, while international efforts by ECOWAS are hindered by claims of bias. There is a pressing need for resolution to stabilize the political environment in Guinea-Bissau.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
