The UCCLA’s secretary-general has expressed concern over the current political instability in Guinea-Bissau, emphasizing a hope for the swift restoration of normal institutional functions in the country.
The UCCLA also highlighted the unparalleled value of dialogue in crisis resolution, underlining the importance of maintaining peace and security.
Guinea-Bissau has been suspended from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union following the November 26 coup d’état, during which a High Military Command overthrew President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who fled the country, and halted the electoral process.
The general elections, including both presidential and legislative, took place without incident on November 23. The opposition candidate, endorsed by the historical African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC)—excluded from the elections—Fernando Dias, claimed victory in the first round against Embaló.
Prior to the official announcement of the results, gunfire erupted in Bissau, setting the stage for the High Military Command’s takeover, which appointed General Horta Inta-A as the transitional president.
General Horta Inta-A declared that the transition period shall not exceed one year and appointed Ilídio Vieira Té, a former minister under Embaló, as prime minister and finance minister.
A new transitional government was sworn in on Saturday, featuring members from the deposed administration and five military officials among the 23 ministers and five state secretaries.
Today, General Horta Inta-A urged the government to present plans with measures for the next 100 days.
During the coup, PAIGC leader Simões Pereira was detained, and the opposition condemns the military takeover as a strategy to prevent the election results’ disclosure.
An ECOWAS delegation met with the new authorities in Bissau on Monday, concluding with an announcement that the contact outcomes will be presented at the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit on December 14 to discuss Guinea-Bissau’s situation.
