In a dramatic political reshuffle just months before Guinea-Bissau’s general elections, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo on Thursday dismissed Prime Minister Rui Duarte de Barros and appointed Braima Camara as his successor. The move, announced through a presidential decree, marks the latest twist in a tense political climate that has raised questions about Embalo’s grip on power and the future of the small West African nation.
Braima Camara, a seasoned politician and former coordinator of the opposition Madem G15 party, will now lead the government as the country heads toward a high-stakes election scheduled for November 30, 2025. His appointment is widely seen as a strategic decision by President Embalo to consolidate alliances and shore up political support ahead of his expected bid for a second term.
A Pre-Election Power Shift
Rui Duarte de Barros had served as prime minister since December 2023, following months of political instability that saw the suspension of Parliament and a crackdown on dissent. While the presidency did not provide a detailed explanation for his dismissal, political analysts in Bissau suggest the decision was influenced by Embalo’s desire to install a loyal figure capable of navigating the volatile political environment in the lead-up to the elections.
“Changing prime ministers so close to an election is a calculated move,” political commentator Manuel Furtado told Africa Live News. “Embalo is looking to strengthen his influence and ensure that the government machinery aligns with his campaign objectives.”
Constitutional Disputes and Term Limit Tensions
The reshuffle comes against the backdrop of a fierce dispute over Embalo’s presidential term. Under Guinea-Bissau’s constitution, presidents serve five-year terms and may seek re-election for only one additional term. Opposition parties argue that Embalo’s first term legally ended on February 27, 2025, and that any extension is unconstitutional.
However, the country’s Supreme Court ruled that his mandate runs until September 4, 2025, citing delays in the electoral calendar. Embalo, for his part, has set the general election date for late November and insists that his term continues until then.
This disagreement has deepened mistrust between the president and his opponents, many of whom have refused to recognize his authority since February. The political standoff has fueled public protests, sporadic unrest, and heated debates over the interpretation of the constitution.
A History of Political Upheaval
Guinea-Bissau, a nation of just over two million people, has endured persistent instability since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. The country has witnessed more than a dozen coup attempts — several of them successful — alongside chronic government changes and political infighting.
Embalo himself came to power in 2020 after a disputed election that sparked months of tension with the opposition. His tenure has been marked by repeated institutional crises, including the dissolution of Parliament in 2022, which he justified as necessary to curb political “dysfunction.”
Critics argue that his leadership style has further polarized the country’s fragile democracy. Supporters, however, credit him with pursuing reforms to tackle corruption, improve security, and stabilize Guinea-Bissau’s volatile political scene.
ECOWAS Mediation Efforts Falter
The deepening crisis has drawn regional attention. In March 2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sent a mediation mission to Bissau in an attempt to bridge the gap between the government and opposition. However, the mission was cut short after ECOWAS officials claimed they faced threats of expulsion from President Embalo’s administration.
The abrupt end to the talks signaled a breakdown in trust between Guinea-Bissau’s leadership and the regional bloc, which has previously intervened in the country’s political affairs to prevent instability from spilling over into neighboring states.
Strategic Appointment of Braima Camara
The choice of Braima Camara as prime minister is particularly notable given his political background. Camara has held leadership positions within Madem G15, the party that played a key role in Embalo’s initial rise to the presidency. Although Madem G15 has at times positioned itself as an opposition force, Camara’s appointment is seen by observers as an effort to unite political factions that could prove crucial in a close electoral race.
“Camara’s selection is symbolic,” said political analyst Teresa Gomes. “It sends a message that Embalo is willing to work with figures from across the political spectrum — or at least those willing to cooperate — to maintain stability ahead of the polls.”
Opposition Pushback
Opposition leaders have criticized the prime ministerial change as a diversion from the real issues facing the nation, including the contested election timetable, allegations of democratic backsliding, and a struggling economy heavily dependent on cashew exports.
“This is not about improving governance; it’s about tightening control before the elections,” said Domingos Simões Pereira, a prominent opposition leader and former prime minister. “The people deserve transparency, constitutional respect, and a fair vote — not political maneuvering.”
The opposition has also reiterated its stance that Embalo’s continued stay in office beyond February is illegitimate, vowing to intensify both domestic and international pressure for his removal before the November polls.
An Election Shaping Up to Be Contentious
With less than four months to go before Guinea-Bissau’s general elections, political tensions are running high. The November 30 vote will decide not only the presidency but also parliamentary representation — a crucial factor in a country where executive-legislative relations have often been fraught.
Analysts warn that the combination of disputed term limits, a reshuffled government, and opposition resistance could inflame political rivalries and heighten the risk of instability. Calls for international observers and increased regional mediation are expected to grow louder as the election date approaches.
The Road Ahead
For President Embalo, the coming months will be a test of his political survival skills. Balancing governance with an intense campaign, managing dissent, and maintaining public order will be critical. For his opponents, the challenge lies in mobilizing voter support while navigating a political landscape they see as skewed in favor of the incumbent.
What remains clear is that Guinea-Bissau’s democratic resilience will once again be tested. Whether the upcoming elections serve as a step toward political maturity or yet another chapter in the nation’s long history of instability will depend on the actions taken by its leaders in the weeks ahead.
As the new prime minister Braima Camara takes office, the nation watches closely — aware that this latest appointment could shape the course of Guinea-Bissau’s political future for years to come.
