Guinea-Bissau has lost the assistance of a mission from the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, following threats by its president to expel the team.
The country is currently struggling to reach a consensus on the end of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s term. This stems from a weakened electoral authority, largely due to multiple military coups over the years.
Reports indicate that the team was sent last month to help Guinea-Bissau achieve a “political consensus” on conducting elections this year.
It stated that it had “prepared a draft agreement on a roadmap for elections” and had begun presenting it to stakeholders for their consent.
However, the team decided to leave early on Saturday morning after President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s threat.
It now plans to present its report to the ECOWAS president, including a proposal for an agreement leading to “inclusive and peaceful elections.”
Embalo has not responded to the bloc’s accusation. Meanwhile, he faces resistance from the opposition, who claim his term expired last week. However, the Supreme Court of Justice has ruled that it ends on September 4.
