Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the former president of Guinea-Bissau, has announced plans to return to the country and run for president in the upcoming election on December 6. Embalo was ousted in a coup on November 26, just days after a presidential vote. The junta that seized power has set the date for presidential and legislative elections to restore civilian rule. Embalo's decision to run has sparked interest among observers and citizens alike.
The coup that ousted Embalo occurred just one day before provisional results of the presidential vote were to be announced. Many observers suspected that Embalo orchestrated the coup to halt the election process, which he appeared to be losing. The junta, established under General Horta N’Tam, a close associate of Embalo, has been in power since the coup. N’Tam has stated that Embalo is free to return to the country if he has nothing to be ashamed of.
Activists have announced plans to welcome Embalo back to Guinea-Bissau on Sunday. According to political analyst Malam Cisse, there is no legal barrier to Embalo's return, as he did not sign any document renouncing power. History professor Bassirou Sadio added that once the legal conditions are met, everyone should be able to participate in the political contest while respecting established rules.
General Horta N’Tam, who serves as transitional president, is barred from running for president in the election under the country's transitional charter. The military justified the coup by stating it was ensuring national order following the discovery of a plot to destabilize the country involving drug lords. The country's crippling poverty and political chaos have made it a fertile ground for corruption and drug smuggling.
Voters in Guinea-Bissau approved a constitutional change in August, which gives the president more powers. The junta claims the change will stabilize institutions before the elections in December. However, the opposition urged voters to boycott the process, citing concerns about the legitimacy of the changes.
Guinea-Bissau has a history of instability, with five coups and several attempted overthrows since its independence from Portugal in 1974. The country is the latest example of an African nation's leaders seeking to amend or overhaul its constitution to extend term limits, remove age restrictions, or expand executive powers.
Embalo's return and decision to run for president have significant implications for the country's future. The election on December 6 will be a crucial test of the country's stability and its ability to transition back to civilian rule. The international community will be watching closely to ensure that the election is free and fair.
Key points
- Embalo's return and decision to run for president have sparked interest and debate among observers and citizens.
- The country's transitional charter bars General Horta N’Tam from running for president in the election.
- Guinea-Bissau has a history of instability, with five coups and several attempted overthrows since its independence from Portugal in 1974.
