Residents of Guinea-Bissau’s capital, Bissau, have expressed mixed reactions to the military junta’s decision to prevent ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embalo from returning to the country.
Embalo had earlier announced plans to return on Sunday and contest the presidential election scheduled for December.
The military authorities cited “security conditions” and the need to maintain public order as reasons for preventing his return.
Maimuna Seide, a resident of Bissau, said Embalo should be allowed to return and participate in the political process.
“You can’t stay on the sidelines, you’re a citizen, you’re part of this land. It’s the people who decide. They’re the ones who choose their leaders,” she said.
Another resident, Lamine Djassi, said Embalo had not technically been barred from returning, arguing that those responsible for providing security had indicated that they were unable to guarantee his safety.
“Those who are supposed to ensure his safety have said they are not in a position to do so,” Djassi said.
He nevertheless said authorities could take measures to ensure Embalo’s safety, particularly with the presidential election approaching.
“I simply want to make it clear that I am not in favour of him being banned from coming,” he added.
Embalo has been living in exile in Morocco since military officers seized power in November last year following a disputed election in which both Embalo and the opposition candidate claimed victory.
The political situation has since been further complicated by a new constitution approved in an August referendum. The constitution expands presidential powers and changes electoral rules, including a requirement that presidential candidates must have lived continuously in Guinea-Bissau for the preceding five years.
It remains unclear how the residency requirement could affect Embalo’s eligibility to contest the election.
The military junta reiterated on Thursday that restrictions on demonstrations, gatherings and political meetings introduced after it took power remained in force.
Guinea-Bissau, located between Senegal and Guinea, has experienced five coups and numerous attempted coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.
The circumstances surrounding the latest military takeover remain contested. Some observers accused Embalo of orchestrating the November 26 coup to halt an electoral process he appeared to be losing, although such claims have been disputed.
The military takeover occurred one day before provisional election results were due to be announced.
