On 29 February 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Dakar issued a Security Alert for Guinea-Bissau, which reads in part as follows:
“Event: The U.S. Embassy is monitoring reports of increased public military presence in Bissau following recent political events. U.S. citizens should monitor local media for updates and be aware that unpredictable demonstrations and civil unrest involving violence are possible. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens as there is currently no permanent U.S. diplomatic or consular presence in Guinea-Bissau. The U.S. Embassy has suspended official travel to Guinea-Bissau through at least March 8.”
Analyst Comment: The political situation in Guinea-Bissau remains tense amid an ongoing dispute regarding the results of the December 2019 presidential runoff election. The National Electoral Commission declared former Prime Minister Umaro Sissoco Embalo the winner and officials inaugurated Embalo into office as president on 27 February. Despite Embalo’s inauguration, members of the Bissau-Guinean parliament appointed Cipriano Cassamá to serve as interim president while the opposition continues to challenge the election results in the Supreme Court. Cassamá resigned from this position on 1 March, citing personal safety concerns.
