Guinea-Bissau military government blocks former President Embaló’s return
The military said security conditions are not in place, while Embalo plans to contest the December 6 election after months in exile.
- On Thursday, Guinea-Bissau's military junta blocked former President Umaro Sissoco Embalo from returning to the country, citing national security concerns and the need to preserve public order ahead of his planned Sunday arrival.
- Military officers toppled Embalo in a coup last November, shortly before election results were due; the junta installed Major-General Horta Inta-a as transitional president after suspending the electoral process.
- A new constitution approved in August expanded presidential powers and introduced a five-year continuous residency requirement, leaving unclear how these rules affect Embalo's eligibility for the December election.
- Renewed political tensions have emerged this week, including reports of unrest within the presidential guard, while the junta maintains strict restrictions on political demonstrations and public gatherings implemented after seizing power.
- Guinea-Bissau has experienced five coups and numerous attempted takeovers since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, establishing a pattern of instability that defines the small West African country serving as a cocaine transit hub for Europe.
21 Articles
21 Articles
In Guinea-Bissau, the military in power since the November 2025 coup blocked the return of former President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, citing security reasons. In exile in Morocco, Embalo announced a few days ago his return to the country and his candidacy for the presidential elections on 6 December.
The Toronto Star
Guinea-Bissau military government blocks former President Embaló’s return
BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau (AP) — Guinea-Bissau ’s military government has barred former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló from returning to the country, citing security and public order concerns.
Guinea-Bissau military leaders bar ousted president's return
High Military Conspiracy Command of Guinea-Bissau announces that "the security conditions are not met" to ensure the return of former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. Supporters of the former PR still in reception campaign.
Three days after the announcement of the candidacy of former President Umaro Sissoko Embalo for the presidential elections on 6 December and his return to the country on Sunday, 4 October, the junta in power in Bissau came out of silence. "The necessary security conditions" to "ensure the return" of the former Head of State "are not met", the high military command estimated in a communiqué issued on Thursday, 1 October.
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