Guinea-Bissau’s President Dissolves Parliament Following Attempted Coup

Guinea-Bissau’s President, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, has issued a decree dissolving the opposition-controlled parliament, citing recent clashes between his loyal troops and forces aligned with the parliament. The move marks the second dissolution of parliament within a short span, prompting concerns about democratic stability in the country.

The presidential decree follows last week’s shootout in Bissau, where confrontations between troops from the Presidential Palace Battalion and the National Guard led by the parliament escalated. This incident occurred as troops sought to re-arrest two ministers accused of corruption, who had been released by the National Guard.

President Embalo’s deployment of soldiers at state media headquarters to replace personnel reportedly loyal to the parliament has sparked concerns over a potential political crisis. Despite the dissolution decree, the parliament’s leadership has rejected it, highlighting that constitutional provisions restrict the dissolution within the first 12 months post-election.

This dissolution represents the second instance in less than two years, reflecting heightened tensions between Embalo’s administration and the opposition-dominated legislature. Guinea-Bissau’s semi-presidential system grants the majority party in parliament the authority to appoint the Cabinet, fostering a delicate power balance.

The recent shootout, occurring while the president was away at a UN climate summit, has deepened existing political rifts. President Embalo has accused the ministers’ release of revealing corruption and political complicity, leading to the dissolution order.

Guinea-Bissau, a country marked by political instability and drug trafficking, has endured frequent military interventions since gaining independence. Last week’s violence adds to a concerning trend of military takeovers in the region, amplifying tensions and raising worries about the nation’s democratic stability.