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Guinea-Bissau’s president dissolves parliament, accusing deputies of corruption

Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has dissolved the country’s parliament, accusing members of parliament of corruption and embezzlement of public funds. The head of the Republic also called for holding early parliamentary elections.

Reuters reports.

In a statement, President Embalo described Parliament as «a space for guerrilla politics and plotting».

The President also noted the persistent and insurmountable differences between the National Assembly and the executive authorities.

A presidential decree said parliamentary elections would be held on December 18.

The Republic of Guinea-Bissau, which gained independence from Portugal in 1974, has suffered four military coups, most recently in 2012. In February, Embalo survived the latest failed coup and assassination attempt.