Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo is gearing up for re-election this year, despite controversy surrounding his legitimacy and claims that his mandate has expired.
If he succeeds in staying in office until the November elections, he will become only the second leader in Guinea-Bissau’s multiparty era to complete a full term without being overthrown or killed.
Embalo, a 52-year-old political scientist with a background in defense and geostrategy, initially promised to serve only one term. However, he has since reversed his stance, citing the need to run again “for the good of the country.”
This move has been met with criticism from the opposition, led by Domingos Simoes Pereira, who claims Embalo’s mandate expired in February.
Since taking office in 2020, Embalo has faced multiple coup attempts and has maintained control by dissolving parliament in December 2023.
The opposition has accused him of consolidating power to weaken them before the elections.
Embalo’s political journey has been marked by his ability to unite various factions and outmaneuver his opponents, building his base through the Madem G-15 movement.
The country’s electoral environment is marked by turmoil and uncertainty, with Embalo’s re-election bid being a significant factor. The opposition has called for protests, but they have failed to gain traction.
Political analysts suggest that Embalo’s efforts to consolidate power are designed to weaken the opposition before the elections.
Guinea-Bissau’s history has been marred by political instability, with the country experiencing multiple coups and assassinations.
The upcoming elections will be a significant test for the country’s democracy, and the international community will be watching closely.
