Guinea-Bissau’s military rulers have announced that the general appointed to lead the country during its transition will not be permitted to contest the presidency once civilian rule is restored. The declaration forms part of a new transition charter released this week, setting out the political framework for the junta’s one-year administration.

The army seized power on November 26 after removing President Umaro Sissoco Embalo in the aftermath of the disputed presidential vote. Once in control, the military suspended the electoral process and declared that it would govern for a full year before organising a fresh transition to civilian authority.

Shortly after the takeover, the junta appointed General Horta N’Tam as interim president. The move prompted speculation that Embalo had played a role in shaping the outcome by positioning an ally at the head of the interim government. The introduction of the transition charter has now clarified the limits placed on N’Tam and other key figures.

According to the document, both the interim president and the transition prime minister are barred from standing in future presidential or legislative elections. They are also prohibited from leading political parties during or after the transition period. These restrictions are presented as a safeguard intended to prevent the interim government from influencing the political process to its advantage.

The charter also outlines a plan to adopt an amnesty law covering individuals involved in the events of November 26, described as “acts of subversion of the constitutional order”. The provision signals an effort to stabilise the political environment and reduce the risk of retaliatory measures as the country moves through another period of military-led governance.

Guinea-Bissau, long affected by political instability and repeated coups, now enters another phase of uncertainty as its leaders attempt to define a path back to civilian rule while managing internal divisions and regional scrutiny.