Constitutional Referendum in Guinea-Bissau: Transitional President Horta Inta-A has set a national referendum for Aug. 30 to decide whether a newly approved constitution enters into force, with voters casting a “Yes” or “No” in a universal, direct, secret ballot; the move follows a favourable Supreme Court opinion and comes as the National Transitional Council continues to act as the legislature after the Nov. 2025 military takeover, while elections are still planned for Dec. 6. Presidential Power Shift: The junta-backed amendment would move the country toward a stronger presidential system, including powers to appoint the prime minister and dissolve parliament, and it also says the transitional leader General Horta N’Tam will not be allowed to run for president. Mpox Alert: Guinea-Bissau confirmed its first mpox case, activating national response mechanisms, reinforcing surveillance at borders, and launching contact tracing after lab confirmation via Dakar’s Institut Pasteur. Regional Security Cooperation: Nigeria’s army chief Waidi Shaibu convened the Third African Land Forces Forum in Port Harcourt, bringing together chiefs including Guinea-Bissau’s, to push a unified front against terrorism and transnational crimes. Visa-on-Arrival Update: Namibia published an updated visa-on-arrival list that includes Guinea-Bissau among 28 eligible African countries, while excluding Nigeria and more than 60 others. Energy & Investment Watch: The MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 conference in Dakar (Dec. 1–3) will spotlight gas processing, LNG infrastructure, and regional gas monetization as West Africa moves from exploration to large-scale gas development.