Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Declares Candidacy for Second Term

Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo reversed his promise to step down and will run for a second term. His term’s end date is disputed, with opposition claiming it expired in February, while the Supreme Court states it ends on September 4. Elections have been postponed to November 30, citing various obstacles, creating further political tensions.

BISSAU – In a surprising turn of events, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau announced on Monday that he will seek a second term this coming November. This marks a significant reversal from his earlier promises to step down, raising concerns over the political landscape as tensions simmer regarding the duration of his current term and delayed elections.

Embalo, who just returned from an official trip to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, made his intentions clear while speaking to reporters at the airport. He stated, “I will be a candidate in my own succession.” This declaration contradicts the views of the political opposition, who maintain that his five-year term, which began in 2020, expired at the end of February. The Supreme Court, however, has ruled that it concludes on September 4, creating further confusion.

Adding to political unrest, the President recently announced that both presidential and legislative elections will be pushed back to November 30, 2025. Originally, parliamentary elections were set for November 2024 but were postponed indefinitely, citing a mixture of technical and financial challenges. This disruption has caused dissatisfaction among various political factions in Guinea-Bissau.

Embalo, a 52-year-old former army general, acknowledges the history of political instability in Guinea-Bissau, a trend that has persisted since the nation’s independence from Portugal in 1974. Notably, he has reported two coup attempts against him during his presidency, with the latest occurring in December 2023. Interestingly, the President mentioned last year that his wife had persuaded him not to seek a second term, shedding light on the complexities of his decision-making process.

The President plans to engage with political parties regarding the upcoming elections before issuing a presidential decree. This strategy aims to align and clarify the electoral calendar, a task that appears increasingly urgent amid the evolving political dynamics.

In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s announcement to run for a second term has generated substantial political tension in Guinea-Bissau. His contradictory stance on stepping down, the confusion surrounding the length of his current term, and the postponed elections reveal significant instability in the political arena. With scheduled elections now set for November 30, 2025, the President’s efforts to consult with political parties will be critical in navigating these challenges.

Original Source: www.usnews.com