Guinea-Bissau: the return of ousted President Embalo compromised

In Guinea-Bissau, the planned return of former President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who is in exile in Morocco, has been halted by the military authorities citing security, public order, and stability concerns. Embalo had announced his intention to return on Sunday to participate in the presidential election scheduled for December 6, but the military refuses his return. Since the coup in November last year, General Horta N’Tam, the transitional president, has scheduled new elections but cannot run for president due to the transitional charter. The political climate remains tense with restrictions on protests and gatherings.