MOSCOW— Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday to bolster economic and security cooperation between the two nations. The discussions centered on enhancing trade, infrastructure development, energy projects, and agricultural initiatives. Putin emphasized the importance of expanding economic ties, while Embaló reaffirmed the strong partnership, describing Russia as a “reliable partner.”
Notably, Russian metals tycoon Oleg Deripaska participated in the talks, indicating potential Russian investments in Guinea-Bissau’s infrastructure projects. These projects include the construction of a railway and port facilities, as well as bauxite exploration, with the involvement of aluminum company Rusal.
Embaló’s visit to Moscow occurs amid escalating political tensions in Guinea-Bissau. The opposition contends that his five-year presidential term concludes on Thursday, February 27, 2025, and has vowed to “paralyze” the country with protests. In contrast, the Supreme Court has ruled that Embaló’s mandate extends until September 4, 2025. Embaló announced on Sunday that both presidential and legislative elections are scheduled for November 30, 2025, a decision that has intensified the ongoing dispute over the electoral timeline.
The opposition, led by the PAI Terra Ranka and Cabaz Garandi coalitions, plans to stage widespread protests in the capital, Bissau, on February 27. These groups accuse Embaló of attempting to extend his tenure unconstitutionally and have expressed dissatisfaction with the regional bloc ECOWAS’s mediation efforts, alleging bias and refusing to meet its representatives.
Embaló, a 52-year-old former army general, has faced two reported coup attempts during his presidency, the most recent occurring in December 2023. Following that incident, he dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament, citing its passivity. Despite previously indicating he would not seek a second term, Embaló has not publicly named a successor, leading to further uncertainty in the nation’s political landscape.
Guinea-Bissau, a West African nation of approximately two million people, has a history marked by political instability and military coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. The current political impasse and upcoming elections are critical junctures for the country’s future stability.
Russia’s engagement with Guinea-Bissau is part of its broader strategy to strengthen economic and security relationships with countries in West and Central Africa. This includes deploying mercenaries to support regional leaders and combat insurgencies, thereby expanding its influence on the continent.
As Guinea-Bissau navigates its internal political challenges, the outcomes of Embaló’s discussions with Putin may have significant implications for the nation’s economic development and geopolitical alliances.
