Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Announces Second Term Bid

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has announced his candidacy for re-election in November, despite political unrest and opposition that does not recognize his presidency. The ECOWAS delegation left Guinea-Bissau following threats made by Embalo. The opposition claims his term ended in February 2025, while Embalo maintains he will remain in office until the election.

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has declared his intention to run for a second term in the upcoming elections scheduled for November, despite ongoing political tensions and dissent from the opposition, which does not recognize his presidency. His announcement came shortly after a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) departed the country, having faced alleged threats from Embalo regarding their presence and efforts to mediate the political crisis.

Embalo, who dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament in late 2023, announced his candidacy at the airport in the capital city, Bissau, after a trip abroad. He stated, “I will be a candidate for my own succession,” affirming his commitment to seek re-election. While Guinea-Bissau’s constitution permits a president to serve two terms of five years each, the legitimacy of Embalo’s first term remains contested by the opposition, claiming it ended on February 27, 2025, in line with the election results.

Tensions in Guinea-Bissau have escalated, with the opposition planning mass protests and strikes in response to Embalo’s actions, claiming that he has overstayed his term. The opposition asserts that they will further analyze the outcomes of the ECOWAS mission before proceeding with their plans. Embalo has previously survived two coup attempts within the past three years, asserting his authority by dissolving parliament after the latest attempt in December 2023.

As part of his diplomatic efforts, Embalo recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss strengthening economic and security relations, as Russia emerges as a significant security partner for many African nations seeking alternatives to traditional alliances. This geopolitical shift reflects the evolving dynamics within international relations in the region.

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s announcement to run for a second term amid rising political tensions in Guinea-Bissau highlights the complexities of his administration and the ongoing disputes with the opposition. With opposition leaders refusing to acknowledge his presidency and planning protests, the political climate within the country remains precarious. Additionally, Embalo’s diplomatic engagements signal a notable shift in alliances that may affect Guinea-Bissau’s future.

Original Source: halifax.citynews.ca