00:00Guinea-Bissau's military junta has blocked former President Umaru Sissiko Mbalu from returning to the country, saying security conditions are
00:08not in place for his planned arrival.
00:11Mbalu, who has been living in exile in Morocco, said earlier this week that he intended to return and contest
00:18presidential elections scheduled for December 6.
00:21The army seized power just days after the last November's presidential vote, overthrowing Mbalu and suspending the electoral process.
00:30In a statement Thursday, the military high command said the decision was based on national security, public order and the
00:38need to preserve social stability.
00:40The junta also confirmed that restrictions on political demonstrations and gatherings remain in force.
00:46The move comes amid renewed political tensions, including reports of unrest within Presidential Guard earlier this week.
00:53Guinea-Bissau has experienced five coups and numerous attempts to takeovers since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.
01:02The military says the December elections are intended to restore civilian rule, but it remains unclear whether the dispute over
01:10Mbalu's return will affect the electoral timetable.
01:16The military says the December elections are intended to return to the EU-xonuating form, but it remains unclear whether
01:16the dispute over Mbalu and suspending or the a future has been behind the future.
01:16The war team is at the same time to escape the meeting again and the war team is not at
01:16the same time to be concerned with the war team.
01:16The war team is also at the same time to the war team.
