President Umaro Sissoco Embaló confirmed the expulsion of the ECOWAS mission from Guinea-Bissau, insisting on the autonomy of his government in the upcoming elections and highlighting the need for adherence to established protocols. He rejected calls for a national unity government and expressed determination to avoid previous interventions from ECOWAS.
On March 3, 2023, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló announced his decision to expel the high-level ECOWAS mission from Guinea-Bissau, which was seeking to mediate the ongoing political crisis. During his remarks at the Osvaldo Vieira International Airport upon returning from an overseas trip, Embaló stated, “I was the one who kicked out that ECOWAS mission.” He emphasized that such missions must follow established protocols, which include presenting a roadmap that he must approve.
Embaló asserted the autonomy of his government in organizing the forthcoming legislative and presidential elections, scheduled for November 30, rejecting suggestions for a potential “national unity” government. He firmly stated, “never again will the ECOWAS mission return to the country,” indicating a desire for self-determination.
The president also reflected on past interventions by ECOWAS, referencing the actions taken against his predecessor, José Mário Vaz, in 2019, which he aims to avoid, given the current political context. Meanwhile, the political coalitions Inclusive Patriotic Alliance (API) and Platforma da Inclusive Alliance (PAI) issued a joint statement criticizing his actions and labeling him as an ex-president.
In response, Embaló warned these coalitions for crossing boundaries, stating, “People have stepped on a red line, calling me the Former President of the Republic. Okay, I will behave like your former President of the Republic.” He expressed concern over potential confrontations with API-Cabas Garandi, emphasizing that they should recognize his leadership role and maintain cooperation.
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has definitively asserted his authority by expelling the ECOWAS mission, firmly establishing that his government will independently navigate the political landscape of Guinea-Bissau. While he prepares for upcoming elections, he insists that cooperation is vital and warns against labeling him as an ex-president, reflecting a tense relationship with opposition coalitions.
Original Source: www.voicegambia.com
