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President Umaro Sissoco Embaló’s recent announcement, hinting at the possibility of giving up a second term, took both his party and national and international public opinion by surprise. This unexpected declaration caused a real shock, both within the Guinean Bissau political class and among foreign observers, particularly because of the crucial issues hanging over the future of the country.
A review focused on the fight against corruption and drug trafficking
Since his accession to the presidency in February 2020, President Embaló has positioned himself as an actor determined to fight drug trafficking, corruption and bad governance, evils that plagued Guinea-Bissau for decades. Under his mandate, the president made the fight against these scourges an absolute priority, initiating reforms aimed at restoring the rule of law and cleaning up public finances. These initiatives have helped to strengthen the country’s image abroad and the stability of the country, even if they have not always been well received by corrupt local elites, often involved in these illicit practices.
If President Embaló were to actually give up running for a second term, this reform dynamic would risk being seriously compromised. Abandoning the fight against drug trafficking and the plunder of national resources could plunge Guinea-Bissau back into an era of political and economic instability, leaving the country vulnerable to those who seek to exploit national wealth for personal gain. .
A presidency at the head of the CPLP in 2025: a strategic opportunity
Beyond national borders, Guinea-Bissau is called upon to play a key role on the international scene in 2025, with the rotating presidency of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP). Embaló’s presidency at the head of this organization represents an unprecedented opportunity for Guinea-Bissau to strengthen its diplomatic relations and attract investments. This could help restore the confidence of international investors and development partners, notably by demonstrating that the country remains committed to the path of reforms and stability.
If President Embaló decides to step down from the presidency before or during his tenure in the CPLP, it could weaken Guinea-Bissau’s influence within that organization and jeopardize crucial initiatives, such as regional security cooperation. and the fight against drug trafficking. Guinea-Bissau could thus lose the opportunity to strengthen its international position and attract strategic partnerships beneficial to its development.
A decision with serious consequences for the future of the country
The possibility of President Embaló withdrawing from the next electoral elections is seen by many as an open door for the old mafia networks. If these “vultures” of Guinea-Bissau politics manage to take control of the country, there is a high risk of a return to the harmful practices of the past: the looting of public funds, the weakening of state institutions, and a resurgence of drug trafficking, which made Guinea-Bissau a nerve center of this trafficking in West Africa.
The president’s supporters say it is essential that he continues to mobilize his political forces to ensure that the country remains on the path to reform and stability. Giving up this struggle, by withdrawing from the political scene, would be interpreted as abandoning the national cause, leaving the population at the mercy of potentially corrupt leaders.
The need to reconsider your decision
Faced with these challenges, President Embaló must seriously reconsider his position. His leadership and determination to pursue reforms are necessary to protect the gains of his tenure and prevent the country from falling into the hands of those with only selfish interests. The stability of Guinea-Bissau, still fragile, largely depends on the continuation of a government committed to the fight against corruption and drug trafficking.
The next elections promise to be a pivotal moment for the future of the country. President Embaló has the duty to strengthen his political troops, remobilize his supporters and prepare a solid strategy to ensure the continuity of his reform project. Giving up a second term would not only risk compromising these efforts, but also opening the door to a return to corrupt and ineffective governance, to the detriment of populations hoping for a better future.
In conclusion, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló must rethink his decision for the future of Guinea-Bissau. Its withdrawal would leave the country vulnerable to destructive forces that could reverse the progress made in recent years. Additionally, his presidency as head of the CPLP in 2025 provides a unique platform to consolidate the gains made under his mandate and strengthen Guinea-Bissau’s diplomatic position. To preserve stability and continue to strengthen the country’s institutions, it is crucial that he considers running for a second term in accordance with the constitution and remains at the helm of this essential struggle for the good of his people.
Saliou Diallo