Guinea-Bissau: Embalo Holds on to Presidency After Term Expires
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s mandate in Guinea-Bissau officially expired at midnight on Thursday, yet he has remained in power, sparking accusations from the opposition of an “illegal power grab.” Embalo has pledged to continue carrying out presidential duties until elections scheduled for November 23, where he is expected to seek a second term.
The situation has raised fears of a constitutional crisis and renewed instability in the small West African nation, long plagued by coups since its independence from Portugal more than 50 years ago. The constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms, and while the opposition insists Embalo’s term ended on February 27, the Supreme Court ruled it would run until September 4.
In recent months, opposition leaders have refused to recognize Embalo’s presidency. The political deadlock deepened after the 2023 dissolution of parliament and the failure to hold new elections. A regional bloc mission sent in March to mediate abruptly withdrew, citing threats of expulsion from Embalo.
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