A MISSION from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has withdrawn from Guinea-Bissau after President Umaro Sissoco Embalo threatened to expel the team. The mission was sent to mediate a growing political crisis over the country’s delayed general elections.
Election delay sparks tensions
General elections in Guinea-Bissau were originally scheduled for November 2023, but President Embalo postponed them, later announcing November 30 2024 as the new date. However, opposition groups reject the delay, arguing that Embalo’s term officially expired last week. The country’s Supreme Court, however, recently ruled that his mandate will extend until September 2024.
ECOWAS deployed a mission from February 21-28, in collaboration with the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), to help mediate between political leaders and civil society. According to an ECOWAS statement released on March 3, the team drafted an agreement for elections in 2025, which it began presenting to stakeholders.
However, amid growing tensions, the mission abruptly departed on March 1, citing threats from President Embalo. The president has not yet responded to these allegations.
Opposition pushback and rising political strife
Guinea-Bissau has a long history of political instability, with several military coups since its independence in 1974. Embalo himself has faced two coup attempts, the latest in December 2023, after which he dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament.
As political tensions rise, opposition parties called for a nationwide strike on the day they claim Embalo’s mandate expired. Security forces were deployed across Bissau, further escalating the standoff.
ECOWAS to review election mediation report
Following the withdrawal of its mission, ECOWAS announced that it will submit its findings to its leadership, along with a proposal for a roadmap towards inclusive and peaceful elections.
Meanwhile, President Embalo was in Moscow on February 25 for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising further questions about Guinea-Bissau’s political direction amid deepening domestic tensions.
With elections still months away and no political consensus in sight, Guinea-Bissau’s fragile democracy faces an uncertain future.
