Guinea-Bissau’s former president Umaro Sissoco Embalo says he will return from exile and run in the country’s presidential election.
The election is scheduled for December 6.
Embalo was removed from power in a military coup in November 2025. He told AFP on Monday that he plans to return to Guinea-Bissau.
However, he did not say when.
“I will be a candidate in the presidential election,” Embalo said.
The announcement comes as Guinea-Bissau prepares for presidential and legislative elections. The vote is expected to restore civilian rule after the military takeover.
Embalo plans return to Guinea-Bissau
The military seized power shortly after a presidential election in November 2025.
As a result, Embalo was removed from office. The military also suspended the election process.
The coup took place one day before provisional results were due to be announced.
General Horta N’Tam later became transitional president. He is a close associate of Embalo.
The military-led authorities have now scheduled new elections for December 6.
However, N’Tam cannot run for president under the transitional charter.
Embalo, meanwhile, says he intends to contest the election.
Last week, N’Tam said every Guinean was free to return home if they had nothing to fear.
Political analyst Malam Cisse also told AFP that there was no legal barrier to Embalo’s return.
Questions remain over the coup
The circumstances surrounding the November coup remain disputed.
Some observers have alleged that Embalo helped organise the takeover. They claim it was designed to stop an election he appeared to be losing.
However, this allegation has not been established as fact.
The military gave a different explanation.
It said it acted to maintain national order. According to the military, authorities had discovered a plot involving drug traffickers to destabilise the country.
Constitutional changes approved
Guinea-Bissau has also introduced major constitutional changes.
Voters approved the changes in a referendum in August.
The new constitution gives the president more powers.
The military-led authorities say the changes will help create more stable institutions before the December elections.
However, opposition groups opposed the referendum. They urged voters to boycott the process.
Tensions ahead of December election
Political tensions remain high ahead of the vote.
Activists have posted on social media about plans for Embalo’s return.
History professor Bassirou Sadio told AFP that anyone who meets the legal requirements should be able to take part in the election.
Guinea-Bissau has faced repeated military takeovers since independence from Portugal in 1974.
The country has experienced five coups. There have also been several attempted takeovers.
Political instability remains a major challenge.
Now, Embalo’s planned return adds another element to the country’s political transition ahead of the December vote.