Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has announced his candidacy for a second term in November, conflicting with previous intentions to step down. Disputes regarding the end of his current term and election delays have raised tensions with the opposition. Embalo also revealed that two coup attempts have been made against him, alongside personal discussions with his wife about seeking re-election.
Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has announced his intention to seek re-election in November, reversing his previous commitment to step down. Following a recent trip to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, he stated, “I will be a candidate in my own succession.” This decision could escalate political tensions in the coup-prone West African nation.
The political opposition has clashed with Embalo regarding the duration of his current five-year term, which began in 2020. They claim it ended in February, while the Supreme Court of Justice maintains it concludes on September 4. Additionally, the president faced backlash for postponing presidential and legislative elections, now set for November 30, initially planned for November 2024.
Embalo indicated that he will first consult with political parties regarding the upcoming elections before issuing a presidential decree. As a former army general, he has navigated a history of political instability since Guinea-Bissau’s independence from Portugal in 1974. He also noted that there were two attempts to topple his regime during his tenure, the most recent occurring in December 2023.
Furthermore, Embalo revealed that his wife had initially discouraged him from pursuing a second term, showcasing the personal dynamics involved in his political decision-making. His leadership continues to be marked by challenges, including unrest and the threat of coups, underlining the delicate nature of his presidency.
President Umaro Embalo’s decision to run for a second term has sparked potential political unrest in Guinea-Bissau. His term’s disputed end date, election delays, and previous coup attempts complicate his political landscape. As he prepares for the upcoming elections, consultation with political entities will be crucial for future stability.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
