BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reported that its political mission in Guinea-Bissau was forced to leave the country early after President Umaro Sissoco Embalo threatened expulsion.

According to an ECOWAS statement released on Sunday, the mission was deployed alongside the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel to facilitate consensus on this year’s elections. However, following threats from Embalo, the delegation departed Bissau on March 1 before completing its task.

The political tensions stem from disagreements over the timing of Embalo’s presidential term. The opposition claims his mandate ended last week, while the Supreme Court of Justice has ruled that his term officially concludes on September 4.

Embalo, who won Guinea-Bissau’s last presidential elections in December 2019, announced in February that the next presidential elections are set for November 30. In September 2024, he declared that he would not seek re-election.

Source Sputnik