Gambiaj.com – (BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau) – As his term comes to an end, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has painted a grim picture of Guinea-Bissau’s political landscape, marked by violence, coup attempts, and entrenched corruption. Speaking in an interview with the Portuguese news agency Lusa, Embaló emphasized that political instability in the country often leads not just to overthrows but also to assassinations.

“There was twice a coup d’état attempt in my term. Here in Guinea-Bissau, they do not overthrow; they kill. Unfortunately, we inherited a culture of violence, which is a shame,” he lamented, referencing past assassinations, including that of former President João Bernardo “Nino” Vieira, who was killed in his palace in 2009, and revolutionary leader Amílcar Cabral, murdered in 1973.

During his five-year presidency, Embaló survived two alleged coup attempts—one in February 2020, shortly after he took office, and another on December 1, 2023. These events, he said, have drastically altered his personal security arrangements.

“Before, I could walk freely with just three people. Now, I move around with dozens of armed military personnel. I am entitled to life; I have to walk like this. They tried to kill me, but the day I’m going out is because God wanted to,” he stated.

Despite the heavy security presence surrounding him, Embaló insisted that he is neither afraid of the people nor does he believe the people should fear him. He argued that his security detail is a necessity in a country where political violence is deeply ingrained.

Economic Struggles and Governance Challenges

The president acknowledged the economic hardships faced by ordinary Guineans, noting that the country remains largely reliant on agriculture and fisheries, which he described as insufficient for sustainable development. Civil servants earn an average of €90 per month, while doctors make around €250—a stark contrast to the high cost of living.

“I inherited a country that had been at a standstill for 45 years,” Embaló said, admitting that while Guinea-Bissau is undergoing changes, there are still no comprehensive solutions to its economic woes.

To address the country’s financial challenges, he has placed significant emphasis on securing support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which he claims has provided successive positive evaluations of Guinea-Bissau’s economic management.

Anti-Corruption Crusade and Political Tensions

Embaló has positioned himself as a strong advocate against corruption, vowing to crack down on both high-level and small-scale corruption, which he referred to as a fight against “large and small bandits” and “political coronaviruses.”

However, his tough stance has drawn criticism from opponents, who label him a dictator. “When I take a step to refer someone to the prosecutor, it is called a dictatorship. Then, I assume being a dictator,” he said sarcastically.

Comparing the political climate in Guinea-Bissau to Portugal, he noted how a mere “name error” led to the resignation of former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa, whereas in his country, “most politicians are bandits.”

He also criticized the state of Guinea-Bissau’s political scene, highlighting the proliferation of political parties—over 50 legalized parties—many of which, he claimed, lack even basic offices.

Defending Political Stability

The president dismissed accusations that he has suppressed opposition or banned protests, arguing that democracy does not equate to street disorder. “I did not prohibit demonstrations, but chaos on the streets is not democracy,” he said.

Drawing an analogy, he stated, “When Benfica and Sporting play, fans can cheer, but just because someone is not in government or was removed from power does not mean they should create chaos.”

On whether Guinea-Bissau should follow the example of some neighboring countries in suppressing political parties, Embaló responded that such matters should be left to the judiciary. “I can’t do it; then they’ll start calling me a dictator,” he quipped.

As his tenure nears its end, Embaló’s reflections underline the persistent challenges of governance, security, and political stability in Guinea-Bissau, a country long plagued by coups and economic hardship. Whether his approach will leave a lasting impact remains to be seen.