Political developments were marked by growing authoritarianism under President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. Parliament was dissolved in late 2023, the 2024 elections were postponed, and presidential power further expanded. Freedom of assembly, expression and the media was severely restricted, and protests were violently suppressed. The judiciary was instrumentalized to obstruct political competition, while opposition figures and journalists faced intimidation and persecution.
Economic activity is narrowly based on cashew exports, with weak diversification. Low incomes and poor-quality public services persist. Although some reforms were implemented with IMF support, structural problems such as widespread corruption and narco-trafficking continue to undermine economic stability and development.
Internationally, Embaló cultivated ties with France, Portugal, Senegal, Russia, China and India. These relationships have bolstered his external standing but have not translated into domestic democratic progress. Repression, corruption and stalled political reforms continue to shape the country’s fragile governance landscape.
