Political Crisis in Guinea-Bissau: President Dissolves Assembly…

Guinea-Bissau faces deepening political crisis as President Embalo dissolves the National Assembly, prompting opposition rejection. Accusations of corruption among parliamentarians accompany plans for early elections in December 2022. Analysts express concerns over potential authoritarian tendencies in Embalo’s actions, echoing the nation’s historical instability due to coups and civil unrest.

The political crisis in Guinea-Bissau escalates as President Umaro Sissoco Embalo dissolves the National Assembly. The opposition party, Union for Change, rejects this decision, with its secretary Armindo Handem stating that neither authorities nor the public view the president’s actions as legitimate. Handem further claimed that the parliament remains a legally valid authority that must consider Embalo’s dissolution effectively.

President Embalo justified his decision by accusing certain parliamentarians of corruption and mishandling of funds, claiming that parliamentary immunity has shielded offending deputies from prosecution. Embalo announced plans for snap elections on December 18, 2022, citing the need to hold elections earlier than their originally scheduled date in December 2024, challenging the election commission to prepare the electoral roll and voter registration.

Political analysts are concerned about Embalo’s actions, viewing them as reflective of authoritarianism. Constitutional lawyer Jorge Miranda argues that the president lacks a valid reason to dissolve parliament and suggests he is aiming to consolidate power through potential constitutional amendments. This behavior echoes historical patterns observed in dictatorships.

Embalo has been in office since February 2020 and was elected in Guinea-Bissau’s first peaceful democratic transition since independence in 1974. His presidency has been marked by turmoil, including a failed coup attempt earlier in 2022. Guinea-Bissau has a history of political instability, having experienced four military coups and a civil war since gaining independence.

The country ranks low on global development indexes and faces significant challenges, including corruption and drug trafficking. According to UN reports, Guinea-Bissau’s geographic attributes make it a critical node for cocaine trafficking between Latin America and Africa. Despite the ongoing crisis, civil society leaders like Fode Caramba Sanha are advocating for the organization of the upcoming elections.

Guinea-Bissau’s political turmoil intensifies with President Embalo’s controversial dissolution of the National Assembly. Opposition parties reject his authority, raising concerns about potential authoritarianism. Amid allegations of corruption among parliamentarians, the country must prepare for early elections. These developments highlight ongoing instability in Guinea-Bissau, rooted in its tumultuous political history and socio-economic challenges.

Original Source: www.dw.com