In a surprise move, Guinea Bissau’s President Umaro Sissocco Embalo announced on Thursday that he will not seek re-election in the November 2025 polls.
Embalo, who was elected in January 2020, cited his wife’s persuasion as the reason for his decision. This unexpected development has raised concerns about potential political instability in the country, which has a history of coups and unrest.
During a council of ministers meeting, Embalo also revealed that his successor would not be opposition politicians Domingos Simoes Pereira, Braima Camara, or Nuno Gomes Na Bian, without providing further explanation or naming a potential candidate. As an ex-army general and former prime minister, Embalo has faced challenges during his presidency, including two attempted coups, the latest in December 2023.
Guinea Bissau’s political system has been marred by power struggles, with the president holding the power to dismiss the government in certain circumstances, often leading to deadlock and turmoil. The country has also struggled with cocaine trafficking, with a recent seizure of 2.63 tons of cocaine found on an airplane from Venezuela.
Embalo’s decision not to run for a second term has created uncertainty, and it remains to be seen who will succeed him and how the transition will unfold. The country’s history of political instability and the current power vacuum raise concerns about the future of Guinea Bissau.
