Political tensions in Guinea-Bissau are escalating as the country prepares for its long-delayed presidential and legislative elections, now scheduled for November 23. The atmosphere has grown increasingly fraught following a decree issued on Friday that ordered several foreign journalists to leave the country by August 19. Neither the government of Guinea-Bissau nor Portugal has provided an official explanation for the expulsion, though Portugal’s Foreign Ministry has summoned Guinea-Bissau’s ambassador to Lisbon for urgent discussions, with a meeting set for Saturday.
The developments come amid growing controversy surrounding President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, a former army general who announced in March his intention to seek a second term. This decision reversed earlier promises to step down and has ignited a constitutional dispute. Opposition leaders argue that Embalo’s term officially ended in February, raising concerns about the legitimacy of his continued rule and stoking fears of instability in a nation with a history of coups and political volatility.
In a further twist, Embalo appointed Braima Camara as the new prime minister on August 7—his third such appointment since assuming office in 2020. The frequent changes in leadership have added to the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming elections and the broader political climate.
Earlier this year, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sent a mission to help mediate the electoral process and ensure a peaceful transition. However, the delegation was forced to withdraw after Embalo allegedly threatened to expel its members, a move that drew criticism from regional observers and further strained relations with international partners.
As Guinea-Bissau inches closer to its election date, the combination of internal discord, diplomatic tensions, and concerns over press freedom paints a troubling picture of a democracy under pressure.