MIXED REACTIONS IN GUINEA-BISSAU AFTER OUSTED PRESIDENT BARRED FROM RETURNING

MIXED REACTIONS IN GUINEA-BISSAU AFTER OUSTED PRESIDENT BARRED FROM RETURNING

Residents in Guinea-Bissau’s capital, Bissau, have expressed mixed reactions to the military junta’s decision to prevent ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embalo from returning to the country ahead of the presidential election scheduled for December.

Embalo, who has been living in exile in Morocco since military officers seized power in November last year, had announced plans to return on Sunday and contest the election.

The junta said his return could pose security and public-order concerns, while some residents argued that he should be allowed to come back and that authorities could put measures in place to guarantee his safety.

Embalo has remained in Morocco since the military takeover that followed a disputed election in which both he and an opposition candidate claimed victory.

The military authorities have since maintained restrictions on political demonstrations, gatherings and meetings, while the country continues to face uncertainty over its electoral process.

The political situation has also been complicated by a new constitution approved in August.

The document expands presidential powers and introduces new electoral rules, including a requirement that presidential candidates must have lived continuously in Guinea-Bissau for the five years preceding an election, a provision whose impact on Embalo’s candidacy remains unclear.

Guinea-Bissau has a long history of political instability, having experienced five coups and several attempted putsches since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.

The latest military takeover occurred one day before provisional results from the disputed election were due to be announced, deepening concerns over the country’s democratic transition and upcoming presidential poll.