Guinea-Bissau Junta Blocks Embalo’s Return as Election Approaches

Guinea-Bissau’s military junta has prevented ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embalo from returning to the country, citing security conditions and the need to maintain public order.

The decision comes after Embalo said earlier in the week that he would return on Sunday and seek to contest the presidential election scheduled for December.

Residents divided over the decision

People in the capital, Bissau, have expressed differing views about the move. Some residents said Embalo should be able to return and participate in the country’s political process, while others pointed to the security concerns raised by the military authorities.

Maimuna Seide said citizens should have the right to choose their leaders.

“You can’t stay on the sidelines, you’re a citizen, you’re part of this land. It’s the people who decide. They’re the ones who choose their leaders,” she said.

Lamine Djassi said Embalo had not necessarily been prohibited from coming back, but that those responsible for his protection had said they were unable to guarantee his safety.

“Those who are supposed to ensure his safety have said they are not in a position to do so,” Djassi said.

He also made clear that he did not support a ban on Embalo’s return.

“I simply want to make it clear that I am not in favour of him being banned from coming,” Djassi said, adding that he believed security arrangements could have been made with elections approaching.

Political and constitutional uncertainty

Embalo has been living in exile in Morocco since military officers took power in November. The takeover followed a disputed election in which Embalo and an opposition candidate both claimed victory.

The military takeover occurred one day before provisional election results were due to be announced. Guinea-Bissau has a long history of political instability, having experienced five coups and numerous attempted putsches since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.

A new constitution approved in an August referendum expanded presidential powers and altered electoral rules. It also requires presidential candidates to have lived continuously in Guinea-Bissau for the previous five years. It remains unclear how that requirement could affect Embalo’s eligibility to run.

Many observers have suspected Embalo of orchestrating the 26 November coup in an effort to stop an election process they believed he was losing. That suspicion has not been established as fact.

Restrictions remain in force

The junta has reiterated that restrictions on demonstrations, public gatherings and meetings for political purposes remain in place.

The measures form part of the military authorities’ stated effort to preserve public order as the country moves toward the scheduled presidential election. Embalo’s planned return and proposed candidacy have added to the uncertainty surrounding Guinea-Bissau’s political transition.