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Guinea-Bissau

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

Embalo had announced earlier this week that he would return to Guinea-Bissau on Sunday and seek to participate in the forthcoming presidential election.

However, the military authorities said his return would not be permitted, citing security concerns and the need to maintain public order.

The decision has generated debate among residents, with some questioning the junta’s authority to prevent a citizen from returning to his country, while others have expressed concerns about the security implications of his return.

Maimuna Seide, a resident of Bissau, said Embalo should be allowed to return because citizens should have the opportunity to participate in the country’s political process.

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“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.

Another resident, Lamine Djassi, offered a different interpretation of the situation, arguing that Embalo had not technically been banned from entering the country.

According to Djassi, those responsible for providing security for the former president had indicated that they were unable to guarantee his safety.

However, Djassi said authorities should consider arrangements to protect Embalo, particularly with the presidential election approaching.

“I simply want to make it clear that I am not in favour of him being banned from coming,” he said.

Embalo has been living in exile in Morocco since November 2025, when military officers seized power following a disputed presidential election. Both Embalo and his main opposition challenger claimed victory in the election.

The political crisis has since kept Guinea-Bissau under military rule as authorities prepare for a new electoral process.

A new constitution approved in a referendum in August has introduced changes to the country’s political and electoral system, including provisions expanding presidential powers and altering requirements for presidential candidates.

One of the new provisions requires presidential candidates to have lived continuously in Guinea-Bissau for the five years preceding an election. It remains unclear how the requirement could affect Embalo’s eligibility after his extended period outside the country.

The junta also reiterated on Thursday that restrictions on demonstrations, political gatherings and meetings remain in force.

Guinea-Bissau has a long history of political instability. Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, the West African country has experienced five coups and several attempted coups.

The latest political crisis has renewed concerns over democratic stability as the country approaches another presidential election.

The Traffic NG
Guinea-Bissau
Amarachi Ihesiulo
The Traffic NG

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