Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló remains in power despite his term ending on February 28, 2025. Domingos Simões Pereira, leader of PAIGC, calls for his immediate resignation and the urgent need for new elections after parliament’s term expired. Despite calls for protests, public response has been muted due to fear and economic woes, while ECOWAS mediation efforts have failed.
Umaro Sissoco Embaló’s presidency officially ended on February 28, 2025; however, he has not stepped down from his position as the leader of Guinea-Bissau. Domingos Simões Pereira, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) leader, demands Embaló’s immediate resignation and emphasizes that elections must occur within 90 days, contrary to Embaló’s proposed date of November 30 for new elections. This urgency arises from the expiration of both the presidential and parliamentary terms.
Pereira insists that the parliament, dissolved by Embaló in December 2023, needs to be reconvened to appoint new members for the National Election Commission and elect a new president for the Constitutional Court. This perspective is echoed by numerous political entities, legal experts, and civil society advocates across Guinea-Bissau, as they collectively support restoring constitutional order in the nation.
Over the past year, Embaló has governed Guinea-Bissau by decree, effectively sidelining Pereira, whom he accuses of corruption. His resistance appears focused on maintaining power while preventing a transition to another ruling entity. A former brigadier general, Embaló previously served as prime minister and was part of the PAIGC before joining a breakaway faction.
Citizens are increasingly apathetic, grappling with a severe economic crisis while the opposition grows restless, leading some leaders to predict protests. Nuno Nabiam, a former prime minister, has asserted that protests will persist until constitutional governance is restored. Embaló, however, has disparaged the opposition and threatened to quash any potential demonstrations, with strong backing from his administration.
Amid a tense political climate, public demonstrations have not emerged significantly within Guinea-Bissau; however, expatriate communities in Portugal have taken to the streets, expressing their discontent and demanding respect for the constitution and Embaló’s resignation.
During his time away, including a recent visit to Russia, which sparked scrutiny over his commitment to Guinea-Bissau’s issues, Embaló’s international engagement has garnered criticism from different factions. Observers have noted that he is perceived as indifferent to the pressing needs of his constituents, such as education and healthcare.
Attempts by ECOWAS to mediate the crisis have failed, with a delegation leaving Bissau after being threatened by Embaló. This situation highlights the weakened position of ECOWAS in asserting influence or enforcing resolutions within member states, leaving Guinea-Bissau’s future uncertain.
Guinea-Bissau is currently facing a significant institutional crisis as President Umaro Sissoco Embaló refuses to leave office despite the expiration of his term. Domingos Simões Pereira and other factions demand immediate elections and the restoration of parliamentary functions to ensure a democratic process. The tensions are exacerbated by public disillusionment over economic issues, while international mediation attempts have faltered, reflecting the broader instability in the region.
Original Source: www.dw.com
