(AP) – Guinea-Bissau’s President, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, has announced his candidacy for a second term in the upcoming November elections, despite ongoing tensions with the opposition, which refuses to recognize his legitimacy as the country’s current leader.
Meanwhile, a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) tasked with mediating the nation’s political crisis departed on Monday, citing alleged threats of expulsion from Embalo.
Embalo, who dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament in late 2023, confirmed his re-election bid while speaking to reporters at the airport in Bissau upon his return from visits to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary.
“I will be a candidate for my own succession,” Embalo stated.
Under Guinea-Bissau’s constitution, the presidential term lasts five years and is renewable once. While Embalo is eligible for a second term, the circumstances surrounding his first term remain contentious. The opposition argues that his tenure has already concluded.
Embalo’s decision to seek re-election may heighten political tensions in the West African nation, which has experienced multiple coups since gaining independence from Portugal over 50 years ago.
Having won the presidential election on November 24, 2019, Embalo was sworn in on February 27, 2020. However, the opposition contested the results, and the Supreme Court did not officially recognize his victory until September 4 of that year. The opposition contends that his term should have ended on February 27, 2024, whereas the Supreme Court has ruled that it extends until September 4, 2024.
Embalo has scheduled the next presidential election for November 30 and insists on remaining in office until then. However, the opposition has refused to acknowledge his presidency since last week. Opposition leaders have warned of mass protests and strikes but awaited the outcome of the ECOWAS mediation efforts before taking further action.
Embalo has claimed to have survived two coup attempts in the past three years. Following the most recent attempt in December 2023, which involved an armed confrontation between the national and presidential guards, he dissolved the opposition-led parliament, accusing it of inaction.
Last week, Embalo met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss potential economic and security collaborations. Russia has increasingly positioned itself as a key security partner for several African nations, challenging the influence of traditional allies such as France and the United States.
