Gambiaj.com – (Bissau, Guinea-Bissau) – The streets of Guinea-Bissau’s capital remained calm on Friday as the opposition’s call for a nationwide shutdown in protest against President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s government took effect. However, a heavy deployment of security forces, including the National Guard, Rapid Intervention Police in armored vehicles, and ECOWAS stabilization troops, patrolled the city to prevent any disturbances.

While schools were partially open, many parents kept their children at home, fearing potential clashes. Bandim Market, the largest in Bissau, operated with relative normalcy despite the tense political atmosphere.

The opposition organized the shutdown to protest what it describes as Embalo’s “dictatorship” and human rights abuses, while also arguing that his presidential mandate expired on February 27—exactly five years after his swearing-in. However, Embalo and his supporters contend that his term officially ends on September 4, marking five years from the Supreme Court’s confirmation of his election victory. Based on this timeline, the president has scheduled general elections, including both presidential and legislative polls, for November 30.

Regional Civil Society Groups Call for International Community’s Intervention

Amid these tensions, an ECOWAS mission has arrived in Bissau, reportedly seeking a consensus between the government and opposition on the electoral calendar. However, frustration with ECOWAS’ approach is growing. A coalition of 36 civil society organizations from eight West African nations—including Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Conakry, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, and Togo—has penned an open letter to the regional bloc, denouncing Embalo’s governance.

The letter, obtained by Voice of America, accuses the president of ruling with an “iron hand,” using security forces to commit human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, abductions, and violence against journalists, activists, and political opponents. The organizations expressed disappointment in ECOWAS for prioritizing political negotiations over enforcing democratic principles and human rights protections in Guinea-Bissau.

The signatories warned that the Guinean people remain “hostage to a violent, dictatorial, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous regime for the stability of the subregion.” They urged the international community to take stronger action, cautioning that failure to do so could lead to further instability and entrenchment of what they describe as Embalo’s authoritarian rule.

As the political standoff continues, Guinea-Bissau finds itself at a crossroads, with both domestic and international actors closely watching the unfolding crisis.