Guinea-Bissau President Threatens to Expel ECOWAS Mission, Raising Concerns Over Political Stability

Tensions are escalating in Guinea-Bissau as President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has threatened to expel a political mission sent by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This move has amplified concerns about potential unrest in the nation, which has a history of military coups.

The core of the issue lies in a disagreement over the length of President Embalo's term. While the opposition argues that his term should have ended last week, the Supreme Court of Justice has ruled that it extends until September 4th. This difference in interpretation has fueled political tensions.

Embalo, who previously chaired ECOWAS from mid-2022 to mid-2023, announced on February 23rd that presidential and legislative elections would be held no later than November 30th.

ECOWAS, along with the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), deployed a mission to Guinea-Bissau from February 21st to 28th. The goal was to foster consensus on how to conduct elections this year. However, according to a statement released by ECOWAS on Sunday, "The Mission departed Bissau in the early morning of 1st March, following threats by H.E. Umaro Sissoco Embalo to expel it."

Adding another layer to the situation, President Embalo visited Moscow on Wednesday for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony that gained independence in 1974, has been navigating a complex political landscape.

The situation in Guinea-Bissau remains fluid. Further developments are needed to determine the long-term implications for the country's stability and its relationship with ECOWAS.