Guinea-Bissau has blocked former president Umaro Sissoco Embalo from returning to the country, with the military authorities citing security and public order concerns.
Embalo, who is living in Morocco, said earlier this week that he planned to return to Guinea-Bissau. He also intends to contest presidential elections scheduled for December 6.
The Guinea-Bissau Embalo dispute adds to political uncertainty ahead of the planned election.
Africanews, citing agencies, reported that the military high command announced the decision on Thursday.
Guinea-Bissau Embalo return blocked
The military authorities said conditions were not suitable for Embalo’s planned return.
They said the decision was based on national security, public order and the need to preserve social stability.
Restrictions on political demonstrations and gatherings also remain in place.
The decision comes amid renewed political tensions. Reports of unrest within the presidential guard emerged earlier this week.
However, the source does not establish a direct link between that unrest and the decision to block Embalo’s return.
Embalo plans to contest December election
Embalo said earlier this week that he intended to return from Morocco and take part in the December 6 presidential election.
The former president has been living outside Guinea-Bissau since the military seized power following last November’s presidential vote.
The takeover happened days after the election. The military removed Embalo from power and suspended the electoral process.
The Guinea-Bissau Embalo dispute now raises questions over whether the former president will be able to return before the December vote.
Guinea-Bissau prepares for elections
The military authorities say the December elections are intended to restore civilian rule.
It remains unclear whether the dispute over Embalo’s return will affect the election timetable.
Guinea-Bissau has experienced repeated military interventions since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. These include five coups and several attempted takeovers.