Guinea-Bissau’s Ousted Leader Embalo Announces Presidential Run Following Military Coup

Updated 7 min 25 sec ago

Bissau, September 29, 2026 – Former president Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who was removed from office during a military coup last November, has announced his intention to return to Guinea-Bissau and run for president in the upcoming December 6 election.

In an interview with AFP on Monday, Embalo confirmed his plans to re-enter the presidential race but did not specify when he would return to the country.

The military seized power just days after a presidential vote in November, overthrowing Embalo and suspending the electoral process. The coup occurred one day before provisional election results were scheduled to be announced.

General Horta N’Tam, who led the coup and now heads the transitional government, has set December 6 as the date for both presidential and legislative elections aimed at restoring civilian rule. However, N’Tam is barred from running for president under the country’s transitional charter.

Many political observers have speculated that Embalo may have orchestrated the November 26 coup to prevent what appeared to be an inevitable electoral defeat.

When questioned about Embalo’s potential return, N’Tam recently told a radio journalist: “Every Guinean is free to return to their country if they have nothing to be ashamed of. Even those who insult me on social media can return if they wish.”

Activists have been organizing for Embalo’s return on social media platforms, with plans potentially set for this coming Sunday.

Political analyst Malam Cisse told AFP that legally, nothing prevents Embalo’s return, noting that he was removed by force rather than through constitutional processes and therefore “did not sign any document renouncing power.”

History professor Bassirou Sadio emphasized that “once the legal conditions are met, everyone should be able to participate in the political contest while respecting established rules.”

The military justified its takeover by claiming it was restoring national order following the discovery of an alleged plot involving drug traffickers to destabilize the country.

In a related development, Guinea-Bissau voters approved a constitutional referendum in August that significantly increases presidential powers. The junta claims these changes will help stabilize institutions before the December elections, though opposition parties have called for a boycott of the process.

Guinea-Bissau, a nation plagued by political instability since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, has experienced five successful coups and numerous attempted takeovers. The country’s ongoing economic hardship and political turmoil have made it susceptible to corruption and drug trafficking operations.

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