CIVICUS speaks about the challenges of democracy in Guinea-Bissau with Malam Sanha, human rights activist and secretary general of the Forum for Social Participation of Young Girls (FINSJOR).
Political crisis in Guinea-Bissau worsened in November 2024, when President Umaro Sissoco Embaló indefinitely postponed elections and dissolved parliament twice, preventing representatives entering the National Assembly. This followed a period of instability marked by the controversial appointment of Rui Duarte de Barros as prime minister on 20 December 2023, which sparked protests and clashes with security forces. Guinea-Bissau’s democratic institutions face significant challenges beyond suspended elections, including military interference in politics and widespread corruption. International organisations and civil society groups continue to work to restore constitutional order and strengthen institutions.
