President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau has once again found himself at the center of political controversy, as he prepares to extend his stay in office well beyond his constitutionally mandated term. This development comes amid mounting opposition protests, institutional crises, and growing concerns over the state of democracy in the West African nation.
Embaló who recently returned from visits to Azerbaijan and Russia where he met with President Vladimir Putin faces heightened scrutiny at home, following the government’s decision to postpone general elections originally scheduled for November 2024. The new date, set for November 30, 2025, would allow Embaló to remain in office far past his official term limit, a move that has sparked outrage from opposition parties and civil society.
Embaló, who came to power in 2020, has faced mounting scrutiny over his administration’s handling of governance, democratic processes, and human rights. His term, set to expire soon, has been clouded by political instability and accusations of overreach, with critics accusing him of attempting to consolidate power through constitutional manipulation.
Embaló’s presidency has been controversial from the start. After a disputed 2019 election, in which he claimed victory over Domingos Simoes Pereira of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), Embaló unilaterally held a swearing-in ceremony in February 2020. The PAIGC, which had governed Guinea-Bissau for decades, alleged electoral fraud and took the matter to court. However, before the legal process could conclude, Embaló, A former army general, seized power, with armed guards intimidating political rivals and forcing the resignation of former Prime Minister Aristides Gomes.
Despite growing domestic and international pressure to respect constitutional norms, Embaló’s government has cited the need for “political continuity†to ensure ongoing reforms and economic development. Supporters argue that extending his tenure will stabilize a fragile political landscape, while opponents view it as a dangerous step towards authoritarianism.
Opposition leaders and activists have taken to the streets in recent weeks, demanding that Embaló respect the country’s constitution and step down when his term ends. Many argue that his continued presence in office would erode Guinea-Bissau’s already fragile democratic institutions. “The people of Guinea-Bissau fought hard for democracy. We will not allow a return to dictatorship under any guise,”said one opposition figure during a recent protest in Bissau.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other regional actors have expressed concern over the unfolding situation, urging dialogue between the government and opposition forces.
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