Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Announces Second-Term Bid Amid Crisis

Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo plans to run for a second term amid political strife. Despite tensions with the opposition, who refuse to acknowledge his presidency, Embalo states he will run in the November elections. His first term’s legitimacy is under dispute, leading to potential protests and strikes by opposition parties.
The President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, announced his intention to seek a second term in the upcoming elections scheduled for November, amidst ongoing political discord with an opposition that does not recognize his presidency. His statement came after a visit to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, where he reiterated, “I will be a candidate for my own succession.”
Tensions have escalated following Embalo’s decision to dissolve a parliament dominated by opposition parties after accusations of inaction against the government. The opposition contests Embalo’s claim to the presidency, asserting that his term expired on February 27, 2023. They plan to stage mass protests and strikes against his administration unless a resolution is reached.
Embalo has been in power since winning the November 2019 election, but his presidency has faced challenges, including two attempts at ousting him. After a violent uprising in December 2023, he justified dissolving the opposition-led parliament, claiming it hindered governmental effectiveness. Recently, he engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, potentially forging new economic and security partnerships.
Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s bid for a second presidential term occurs against a backdrop of political instability in Guinea-Bissau. The opposition has contested the legitimacy of his presidency, leading to significant unrest. Embalo’s connections with Russian leadership suggest a shift in international relations, pointing towards a complex political landscape as the election approaches.
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