The president of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Emballo, has threatened to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This was disclosed by the ECOWAS team that was sent to the country last month to advise on how to conduct this year’s elections.
According to the team, a draft roadmap agreement for the country’s elections was prepared before the president issued his threat. However, the representatives left Saturday, saying a report containing a proposal for peaceful elections would be submitted to ECOWAS President Tinubu.
Meanwhile, there has been mounting tension in the country over when Emballo’s 5-year mandate ends. According to the opposition, his tenure ended last week but was ruled out till 4 September by the Supreme Court of Justice.
Despite the initial delay, Embalo again postponed the general elections, which were scheduled for last November, until November 2025. This delay has been rejected by the opposition party, as they called for a nationwide strike last Thursday.
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According to reports, the president held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on cooperation a day before the strike occurred. Historically, the country has experienced several military coups since 1974, including two failed attempts to overthrow the current president.
The most recent, in 2023, was a clash between the National Guard and government forces that lasted into Friday. According to report, the guards freed two senior government officials who were detained on a corruption investigation.
As a result of the confrontation, President Umaro Sissoco Emballo dissolved the country’s legislature.
