Guinea-Bissau’s military authorities have barred former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló from returning on 4 October, citing national security and public order. Embaló, in Morocco since soldiers seized power in November 2025, planned to come home to stand in the presidential and legislative elections set for 6 December. The junta keeps a ban on political gatherings, and an August referendum approved a constitution that expanded presidential powers. Excluding a former head of state fits a pattern in West Africa’s military-led states, where promised elections come with tight limits on who may compete. A court ruling on Embaló’s candidacy will show how open the vote will be.
Sources
- Africanews: https://www.africanews.com/
- CNBC Africa (Reuters): https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2026/guinea-bissau-military-leaders-bar-ousted-presidents-return
- People Daily: https://peopledaily.digital/news/guinea-bissau-military-blocks-ex-president-umaro-embalos-return
- Arab News (AP): https://www.arabnews.com/world/guinea-bissau-military-government-blocks-former-president-embal%C3%B3s-return-3004282