BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau — Guinea-Bissau has entered another tense phase of its political transition after military authorities barred former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló from returning to the country.

The decision was announced on October 2, shortly before Embaló had planned to return from exile on October 4 and prepare to contest the presidential election scheduled for December. The military leadership said the necessary security conditions were not in place to guarantee his return.

Embaló was removed from power following the November 2025 military takeover, which suspended the electoral process after disputed presidential and legislative elections. He has remained outside Guinea-Bissau since then.

The former president has maintained that he intends to contest the upcoming election and has called for his candidacy to be considered through the appropriate judicial process.

The development comes after Guinea-Bissau approved constitutional changes in an August referendum that expanded presidential powers and introduced changes to electoral rules.

The dispute over Embaló’s return adds another significant development to Guinea-Bissau’s transition toward the December elections and the planned restoration of civilian rule.