Embalo announces presidential bid after months in exile in Morocco

Yesterday 14:45

By: Azzat Manal

Embalo announces presidential bid after months in exile in Morocco

Former Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has announced that he intends to return to the country and contest the presidential election scheduled for December 6, marking a major development ahead of a vote expected to determine whether civilian rule will be restored after months of military-led government.

Embalo, who has been living in exile in Morocco since he was removed from power, confirmed his intention to run in comments to AFP. He said he would return home but did not initially specify a date. Reuters later reported, citing a source familiar with the situation, that he plans to return to Guinea-Bissau on October 4.

The former president was overthrown on November 26, 2025, shortly before provisional results were expected from presidential and legislative elections. The military suspended the electoral process and established a transitional administration under General Horta N'Tam.

The military authorities justified their intervention by citing national security and an alleged destabilization plot involving local drug traffickers. The claims surrounding the coup and the circumstances that led to the suspension of the electoral process have remained politically contested.

N'Tam has said that Guinean citizens are free to return to their country provided they are not subject to legal proceedings. He has also indicated that Embalo's return would not in itself be prevented. Under the transitional charter adopted after the coup, however, N'Tam is barred from standing in the next presidential election.

The election is taking place against the backdrop of a major constitutional change. In an August referendum, voters approved a new constitution that significantly strengthens the powers of the presidency. Provisional results cited by Reuters showed 70% support for the reform, although the main opposition party, the PAIGC, called for a boycott, arguing that the process lacked sufficient political and institutional safeguards.

The new constitutional framework gives the president broader authority, including the power to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and government, create or abolish ministries and dissolve parliament under certain circumstances. It also reduces the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65 and changes the country's electoral constituencies.

The political transition has attracted particular attention because Guinea-Bissau has experienced repeated military interventions since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. The country has also struggled with poverty, weak institutions and political instability, conditions that have contributed to concerns about organized crime and cocaine trafficking along routes connecting Latin America and Europe.

Embalo's decision to return and seek the presidency adds another layer of uncertainty to an already sensitive transition. His supporters have circulated reports about his possible return, while the authorities have indicated that citizens who meet the legal requirements should be able to participate in political life.

The December election is therefore expected to be closely watched both inside Guinea-Bissau and across West Africa. The vote will take place after a year marked by military rule, constitutional reform and a disrupted electoral process, with the country seeking to establish a new political framework and determine its next civilian leadership.