President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has announced his candidacy for a second term in the upcoming November elections, despite ongoing disputes with the opposition, which refuses to acknowledge his presidency.

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At the same time, an ECOWAS delegation sent to mediate the country’s political crisis left on Monday, citing threats of expulsion from Embalo’s administration.

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After dissolving the opposition-controlled parliament in late 2023, Embalo confirmed his decision to run again while speaking to reporters at Bissau’s airport upon his return from diplomatic visits to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary.

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“I will be a candidate for my own succession,” Embalo said.

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Embalo is pushing for re-election, arguing that he is eligible for a second five-year term under Guinea-Bissau’s constitution. However, his tenure remains a contentious issue, with the opposition insisting his mandate has already ended.

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The political dispute stems from the timeline of his presidency. Though elected on November 24, 2019, Embalo was only sworn in on February 27, 2020. Legal challenges delayed the Supreme Court’s confirmation of his victory until September 4 of that year. This has led to conflicting interpretations: while the opposition insists his term expired on February 27, 2024, the Supreme Court has ruled that it extends until September 4. With elections scheduled for November 30, Embalo insists he should remain in power until then, a stance the opposition rejects.

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Tensions have escalated, with opposition leaders threatening protests and strikes if ECOWAS mediation efforts fail. Embalo, who claims to have survived two coup attempts in the past three years, took decisive action after the most recent one in December 2023. Following violent clashes between security forces, he dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament, accusing lawmakers of inaction.

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Meanwhile, Embalo has been strengthening international ties, including a recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. As Russia expands its influence in Africa, displacing Western powers like France and the U.S., Guinea-Bissau is among the nations exploring closer economic and security cooperation with Moscow.

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