World
Ousted G.Bissau ex-leader Embalo tells AFP he will run for president
Promising to return to the country but without specifying a date, Embalo said he "will be a candidate in the presidential election" which is meant to restore civilian rule in the coup-prone west African nation.
Guinea-Bissau's former president Umaro Sissoco Embalo addresses supporters during a campaign rally ahead of last November's general elections. (Photo by PATRICK MEINHARDT / AFP)
By: AFP ., Journalist @New Vision
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BISSAU — Guinea-Bissau's exiled former president Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who was ousted in a coup last November, told AFP on Monday he will run for president in its December 6 elections.
Promising to return to the country but without specifying a date, Embalo said he "will be a candidate in the presidential election" which is meant to restore civilian rule in the coup-prone west African nation.
The army seized power just days after Guinea-Bissau's presidential vote late last November, overthrowing Embalo and suspending the electoral process.
At the time, many observers suspected Embalo of orchestrating the coup to halt an election process he appeared to be losing.
The new junta established under General Horta N'Tam, a close associate of Embalo, has set December 6 as the date for presidential and legislative elections designed to restore civilian rule.
N'Tam told a radio journalist who asked about Embalo's return that "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".
At the time, many observers suspected Embalo of orchestrating the coup to halt an election process he appeared to be losing.
The new junta established under General Horta N'Tam, a close associate of Embalo, has set December 6 as the date for presidential and legislative elections designed to restore civilian rule.
N'Tam told a radio journalist who asked about Embalo's return that "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 posted on social media that they are planning for his return on Sunday.
"Legally, nothing stands in the way of Umaro Sissoco Embalo's return to Guinea-Bissau. He was ousted from power by a coup d'etat", political analyst Malam Cisse told AFP, pointing out that he did not "sign any document renouncing power".
Guinea-Bissau has seen five coups d'etat and several attempted overthrows since its independence in 1974.
The nation's crippling poverty and political chaos have also made it a fertile ground for corruption and drug smuggling.
"Legally, nothing stands in the way of Umaro Sissoco Embalo's return to Guinea-Bissau. He was ousted from power by a coup d'etat", political analyst Malam Cisse told AFP, pointing out that he did not "sign any document renouncing power".
Guinea-Bissau has seen five coups d'etat and several attempted overthrows since its independence in 1974.
The nation's crippling poverty and political chaos have also made it a fertile ground for corruption and drug smuggling.