Residents of the capital of Guinea-Bissau have expressed mixed opinions on the military junta’s decision to prevent the return of former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
They said the military government had reasons, such as the absence of the required security guarantees, for its decision, as well as national security and the maintenance of public order.
Embaló announced that he would return on Sunday, October 4, to run against the presidential election in December 6. Maimuna Seide says “You can’t stay on the sidelines, you’re a citizen, you’re part of this land. Seide also said that citizens should have the right to choose their leader.
Meanwhile, another resident of Bissau, Lamine Djassi, said Embaló had not necessarily been prevented from returning. “They told us that we were not in a position to guarantee his security. Djassi said measures could nevertheless be taken to ensure his security, in view of the elections. “I simply want to make it clear that I am not in favour of him being banned from coming,” he said.
Embaló has been in exile in Morocco since the military government was established in November 2025, after a disputed election in which both Embaló and his main opponent claimed victory. The military government has banned political meetings and demonstrations as it transitions to civilian rule.
In August, voters approved by referendum a new constitution that gives the president more powers and reduces the role of parliament. Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has had a chequered history of military takeovers and attempted coups.
The November 2025 coup took place shortly before the release of provisional election results. The junta has scheduled presidential and legislative elections for December to restore civilian government. It is not yet clear what impact the dispute over Embaló’s return will have on his election campaign.
