Summary
Guinea-Bissau's military government has announced that national elections will occur on December 6, after a coup ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embalo last year. The military set a one-year transition period and barred its leader from running in the elections. West African leaders have urged for a quick and clear transition to civilian rule.
Key Facts
- A coup in November 2022 removed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo from power in Guinea-Bissau.
- The military, led by Major-General Horta Inta-a, is overseeing a transition period.
- Legislative and presidential elections are scheduled for December 6, 2023.
- Inta-a, now head of the military government, is not allowed to run for election.
- The coup aimed to prevent violence between political supporters, according to the military.
- Guinea-Bissau is a nation of 2.2 million people and has a history of instability and coups.
- The country is known as a drug trafficking hub, which has worsened its political issues.
- An ECOWAS delegation recently visited to push for a speedy and structured transition.
