Written by Lisa Murimi
A diplomatic mission from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has left Guinea-Bissau after President Umaro Sissoco Embalo threatened to expel its members amid an escalating election dispute.
The political crisis, which began in 2020, has deepened tensions in the country, which has suffered at least 10 attempted coups since gaining independence in 1974.
Embalo, who has faced two coup attempts himself, dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament in December 2023 and postponed general elections originally set for November 2023 to November 30, 2025.
Opposition groups argue that Embalo’s term should have ended last week, despite a Supreme Court ruling extending his mandate until September 4.
ECOWAS deployed a mission last month to mediate a political consensus on the election timeline, but after engaging with political leaders and civil society, the team departed early on March 1 following Embalo’s expulsion threats.
ECOWAS has yet to receive a response from Embalo and will now report to its leadership with a proposal for ensuring inclusive and peaceful elections.
Meanwhile, opposition groups called for a nationwide strike on Thursday, prompting heavy security deployment in the capital.
Embalo, however, was in Moscow on Wednesday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
