Guinea-Bissau’s President, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, suggested on Sunday that he might consider running for a second term if his supporters urge him to do so, despite previously announcing he would not seek re-election.
Embalo, whose 2020 election was fiercely contested by his opponents, stated on Wednesday that he would not pursue another term when his current tenure ends in 2025.
However, addressing a gathering of his Madem G15 party supporters on Sunday, the president hinted at a possible change of heart.
“I had declared that I would not be a candidate for a second term, following the advice of my wife and family. But if you believe I should reconsider that decision, I am at your service,” Embalo said to the applause of the crowd.
“If you think I am the solution for this country, I am ready,” he added.
Embalo, 51, assumed office in February 2020 in the politically volatile, Portuguese-speaking nation. Although his victory was ultimately recognised by the international community, it was met with prolonged disputes. His main rival, Domingos Simoes Pereira, continues to challenge the legitimacy of the election, alleging fraud.
Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony with a population of about two million, has a history of political and military coups since its independence in 1974. The nation ranks among the poorest in the world, and was placed 158th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index.