Guinea-Bissau military blocks exiled former president’s return from Morocco
In exile in Morocco, Umaro Sissoco Embaló was preparing to return to Guinea-Bissau this Sunday, October 4, to run in December’s presidential election. The military officers who ousted him in November 2025 have just barred his return, citing national security.
The military high command announced its decision on Thursday, October 1, after a meeting on the country’s situation. The necessary conditions for the former president’s return have not been met, it said, according to an Associated Press dispatch carried on October 2 by Arab News.
Embaló had nevertheless planned to reunite with his supporters as early as this weekend. Activists had announced on social media that preparations were under way for his arrival from Morocco. A few days earlier, the former head of state had confirmed to AFP his intention to take part in the presidential election scheduled for December 6.
The junta cites the preservation of public order and the country’s stability as grounds for blocking his plan. It is also maintaining restrictions on protests and political gatherings.
He maintains his candidacy from Morocco
Despite the military’s decision, Embaló is assuring his supporters that he still intends to run. He is asking the judicial authorities to review his candidacy impartially and independently. The question of whether he can enter the country is thus being added to that of his participation in the election.
His departure dates back to the November 2025 coup. The army seized power a few days after a disputed presidential election, with Embaló and his opponent each claiming victory. The electoral process had been suspended before the results were announced.
The military now presents December’s elections as a step toward restoring civilian rule. In the meantime, a referendum in August saw it adopt constitutional changes that strengthened presidential powers and reduced the size of Parliament.
It is in this context that Embaló wants to return and seek the presidency. His arrival was announced for October 4; the high command is barring him from returning, while the former leader maintains his candidacy for December 6.
