After disbanding his country’s national assembly, the president of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, has renewed his trust in Geraldo João Martins to serve as acting prime minister until a new government is formed. The caretaker PM would have to combine his duties as minister of finance and secretary of state for treasury after Parliament is dissolved.

Speaking following the Council of Ministers meeting at the Government Palace, the President of the Republic said that he, as head of state, would temporarily take on the roles of Minister of National Defense and Interior.

When asked what kind of government was likely in the near future, the head of state responded that the next prime minister should address this matter, not him.

“Geraldo Martins is someone I fully trust and support, but right now I serve as Minister of National Defense and the Interior, and he will jointly serve as Prime Minister, Secretary of State for the Treasury, and Finance,” the speaker said.

Embaló added that he had granted the minister of foreign affairs all authority to temporarily assume his duties.

On Monday, three days after the December 1st incident involving the attack on the Judiciary Police cells by a National Guard unit, Umaro Sissoco Embaló disbanded the National Popular Assembly (ANP).

Umaro Sissoco Embaló declared that a date will be set for the next parliamentary elections in compliance with the terms of article 68, paragraph f) of the Constitution of the Republic, justifying the decision by pointing out that Parliament has been the center of instability.