AGP Executive Report

Opposition Under Pressure: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira (PAIGC) remains under house arrest after a military court ordered it again following new questioning over alleged coup plotting, with Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking states calling for his release while Bissau’s military leadership rejects the criticism as interference in sovereignty. Regional Security & Justice: A UN-backed Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic has opened the trial in absentia of former president François Bozizé for crimes against humanity committed between 2009 and 2013; Bozizé is living in exile in Guinea-Bissau and the court says there is “serious and consistent evidence” linking him as commander-in-chief. Aviation & State Capacity: United Nigeria Airlines signed an MoU with Guinea-Bissau to relaunch Air Bissau via a joint venture, with the government committing to designate it as the national carrier and support licensing, airport arrangements, and staff training.

Opposition Under Pressure: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira remains in house arrest after a military court ordered the measure following fresh questioning over alleged coup plotting, with Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking partners calling for his release while Bissau’s military rejects the criticism as interference. Labour & Democracy Watch: A new International Trade Union Confederation Global Rights Index says attacks on workers, unions and collective bargaining are systematically weakening democracy, and it places Guinea-Bissau on a “watchlist” for rising workers’ rights violations. Regional Maritime & Security: A U.S. strike on tankers off Oman has put “flags of convenience” in the spotlight, including one vessel flying Guinea-Bissau’s flag, raising questions about how small registries can be used to avoid scrutiny. Energy Cooperation: Venezuela’s ambassador met Petroguin to discuss South-South cooperation in hydrocarbons training and institutional capacity, while Guinea-Bissau’s health ministry also highlighted China’s support via donated IT equipment. Transport Deal: United Nigeria Airlines signed an MoU with Guinea-Bissau to relaunch Air Bissau through a joint venture, with the government backing licensing, traffic rights and airport support.

Opposition Under Pressure: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira (PAIGC) remains under house arrest after a military court ordered it again following fresh questioning over alleged coup plotting, with Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking partners calling for his release while the military rejects “interference” as sovereignty concerns. Regional Diplomacy & Energy: Venezuela’s ambassador met Petroguin officials to discuss South-South cooperation in hydrocarbons training and knowledge transfer, pointing to new joint project possibilities. Health Sector Support: Guinea-Bissau’s Public Health Minister Quinhin Nantote praised China’s “relevant” role after a handover of IT equipment to strengthen the ministry’s administrative and technical capacity. Transport & Aviation: United Nigeria Airlines signed an MoU with Guinea-Bissau to relaunch Air Bissau via a joint venture, with the government committing traffic rights and support for certification, staffing and airport arrangements. Maritime Governance: West African states including Guinea-Bissau backed early protection for the Eastern Atlantic under a high-seas treaty, including a regional marine protected area plan. International Justice Watch: In the wider region, a UN-backed court in the Central African Republic opened the in-absentia trial of former president François Bozizé over crimes against humanity, with his exile in Guinea-Bissau central to the enforcement debate.

Opposition Under Pressure: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira (PAIGC) remains under house arrest after a military court ordered it following renewed questioning over alleged coup plotting, with Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking states calling for his release while Bissau’s military rejects the criticism as interference. Energy Cooperation: Venezuela’s ambassador met Petroguin officials to discuss South-South energy cooperation, focusing on training, technical capacity, knowledge transfer, and possible joint projects. Health Sector Support: Guinea-Bissau’s Public Health Minister Quinhin Nantote praised China’s “relevant” role after a handover of 16 IT computers to strengthen the ministry’s administrative and technical capacities. Transport Deal: United Nigeria Airlines signed an MoU with Guinea-Bissau to relaunch Air Bissau via a joint venture, with Nigeria providing investment and expertise and the state supporting licensing and airport arrangements. Regional Integration & Trade: ECOWAS is hosting in Lomé a two-week event on women’s small-scale cross-border trade, reviewing progress across key corridors including Dakar–Banjul–Bissau. Maritime Scrutiny: A US strike incident off Oman again highlighted “flags of convenience,” with one vessel reportedly flying Guinea-Bissau’s flag.

Opposition Under Pressure: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira remains under house arrest after a military court ordered the measure following renewed questioning over alleged coup plotting, with Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking states calling for his release while the military dismisses criticism as interference. Aviation & National Pride: Guinea-Bissau signed an MoU with United Nigeria Airlines to relaunch Air Bissau through a joint venture, with the government committing traffic rights, certification support, and airport arrangements. Energy Diplomacy: Venezuela’s ambassador met Petroguin officials to discuss South-South cooperation in hydrocarbons, including training, knowledge transfer, and joint projects. Health Cooperation: Guinea-Bissau’s Public Health Minister said China is playing a “relevant” role after a handover of IT equipment to strengthen the ministry’s administrative and technical capacity. Regional Security Watch: A U.S. strike campaign in the Strait of Hormuz highlighted “flags of convenience,” including a Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker among vessels targeted. Maritime Protection Push: West African states including Guinea-Bissau backed early protection for the Eastern Atlantic under a high seas treaty, aiming to safeguard migration corridors and marine resources.

Opposition Under Pressure: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira remains under house arrest after a military court ordered the measure following renewed questioning over alleged coup plotting, with Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking states calling for his release while Bissau’s leadership rejects the criticism as interference. National Carrier Deal: Guinea-Bissau signed an MoU with United Nigeria Airlines to relaunch Air Bissau via a joint venture, with the Nigerian carrier expected to provide most investment, aircraft and management, while Bissau commits traffic-rights access and support for certification, airport and security arrangements. Health Sector Support: Guinea-Bissau’s Public Health Minister said China is playing a “relevant” role after a handover of IT equipment to strengthen the ministry’s administrative and technical capacity. Maritime Politics: A U.S. strike campaign in the Gulf of Oman highlighted “flags of convenience,” including a Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel among those targeted, raising questions about oversight and compliance. Regional Governance & Justice: A UN-backed court in the Central African Republic opened the trial of former president François Bozizé in absentia, with Amnesty warning that trying him without arrest and extradition undermines the process.

Opposition Under Pressure: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira remains under house arrest after a military court ordered the measure renewed, with Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking states calling for his release while the government rejects the criticism as interference. Aviation & State Capacity: Guinea-Bissau signed an MoU with United Nigeria Airlines to relaunch Air Bissau through a joint venture, with the Nigerian carrier expected to bring investment, aircraft and management, while Bissau commits to carrier designation and regulatory support. Regional Security Watch: A US strike on ships near Oman again put Guinea-Bissau-linked shipping in the spotlight, with reports noting a Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel among those targeted, raising questions about “flags of convenience.” Health & Tech Cooperation: Guinea-Bissau’s health minister says China is playing a “relevant” role, citing donated IT equipment meant to strengthen the ministry’s administrative and technical capacity. Energy Diplomacy: Venezuela’s ambassador met Petroguin to discuss South-South cooperation in hydrocarbons, including training and knowledge transfer.

Opposition Under Pressure: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira remains under house arrest after a military court ordered the measure renewed over alleged coup plotting, drawing fresh international calls for his release and renewed debate over sovereignty. Aviation & National Capacity: Guinea-Bissau signed an MoU with United Nigeria Airlines to relaunch Air Bissau via a joint venture, with the government backing licensing and traffic rights and the airline providing aircraft, management, and training. Health Tech Support: Guinea-Bissau’s Public Health Minister said China is playing a “relevant” role as it handed over IT equipment to strengthen the ministry’s administrative and technical capacity. Regional Politics & Rights: A global human rights governance forum briefing saw VP Jallow briefed by Ambassador Kinteh in China ahead of the event. Maritime Legal Tensions: A report on US strikes near Oman highlighted that one attacked vessel flew the Guinea-Bissau flag, raising questions about “flags of convenience” and oversight. Regional Integration Focus: ECOWAS opened a Lomé event on women’s cross-border trade, reviewing progress on key corridors including Dakar–Banjul–Bissau.

Opposition Under Pressure: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira remains under house arrest after a military court ordered the measure following renewed questioning over alleged coup plotting, turning the case into an international flashpoint as Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking states call for his release while Bissau’s military rejects criticism as interference in sovereignty. Health Tech Support: Guinea-Bissau’s Public Health Minister Quinhin Nantote says China’s “relevant” role is strengthening the health sector, citing a handover of 16 IT computers to boost the ministry’s administrative and technical capacity. Energy Cooperation: Venezuela and Guinea-Bissau reviewed a cooperation agenda focused on energy, including training, knowledge transfer, and institutional capacity building through Petroguin. Air Transport Deal: United Nigeria Airlines signed an MoU with Guinea-Bissau to relaunch Air Bissau via a joint venture, with the Nigerian side expected to provide investment, aircraft and management, while Bissau supports licensing, certification and airport arrangements. Regional Ocean Protection: West African states including Guinea-Bissau backed early steps toward protecting the Eastern Atlantic, including a joint regional marine protected area aimed at preserving resources for coastal livelihoods.

Energy Diplomacy: Venezuela’s ambassador met Petroguin to review South-South cooperation on training, technical skills, knowledge transfer and joint energy projects with Guinea-Bissau. Health Tech Support: Public Health Minister Quinhin Nantote thanked China for donating 16 IT desktops to strengthen the ministry’s administrative and technical capacity. National Aviation Deal: United Nigeria Airlines signed an MoU with Guinea-Bissau to relaunch Air Bissau via a joint venture, with the Nigerian carrier expected to provide investment, aircraft and management, while Guinea-Bissau will handle official carrier status, licensing support and airport arrangements. Regional Ocean Protection: West African states including Guinea-Bissau backed early marine protection steps for the Eastern Atlantic, including a joint regional marine protected area to safeguard resources for coastal communities. International Justice Watch: A UN-backed court in the Central African Republic opened the in-absentia trial of former president François Bozizé over crimes against humanity, with Bozizé living in exile in Guinea-Bissau.

Air Transport Deal: Guinea-Bissau has signed an MoU with Nigeria’s United Nigeria Airlines to relaunch the national carrier “Air Bissau” through a joint venture, with Nigeria expected to bring most investment, aircraft and management, while Bissau will designate the airline as official and support licensing, airport and security arrangements. Maritime Security: The wider Gulf crisis continues to spill into shipping: India says all 20 crew evacuated from the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer have returned home safely after US action off Oman, while earlier incidents also involved US disabling attacks on other tankers. Regional Ocean Protection: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic in the first wave of marine protected areas under a high-seas treaty, highlighting the Canary–Guinea currents as a key migration corridor and announcing a joint regional marine protected area involving Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Mauritania and Senegal. Justice & Accountability: A UN-backed court in the Central African Republic has opened the trial of former president François Bozizé in absentia for crimes against humanity, with Bozizé living in exile in Guinea-Bissau since 2023. Media & Development: Liberia’s press union urged FAO to use both mainstream and digital media to boost visibility of agriculture and food security work across West Africa, including Guinea-Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau Aviation: The government signed an MoU with Nigeria’s United Nigeria Airlines to explore a national carrier, “Air Bissau,” with Osvaldo Vieira International Airport as the hub and a joint venture expected to be operational. International Justice: In the Central African Republic, a UN-backed Special Criminal Court opened the in-absentia trial of former president François Bozizé over alleged crimes against humanity and war abuses from 2009–2013; Bozizé is in exile in Guinea-Bissau and the court says there is “serious and consistent evidence” linking him as a superior officer. Regional Governance & Trade: WAEMU completed alignment of its approved originating goods list with HS 2022, aiming to improve origin determination, customs risk checks, and revenue collection. Media & Development: Liberia’s Press Union urged FAO to use mainstream and digital media more strategically across West Africa, including Guinea-Bissau, to boost the visibility of agriculture and food security work. Global Policy: A US$3.9bn GEF funding package was approved for biodiversity and climate projects for 2026–2030, with a focus on least developed countries and indigenous communities.

Guinea-Bissau Aviation Deal: Guinea-Bissau signed an MoU with Nigeria’s United Nigeria Airlines to explore creating a national carrier, “Air Bissau,” with Osvaldo Vieira International Airport as the hub and a joint venture structure planned. Regional Justice Watch: In the Central African Republic, a UN-backed court opened the in-absentia trial of former President François Bozizé for alleged crimes against humanity and war abuses committed by his security forces between 2009 and 2013; Bozizé has been living in exile in Guinea-Bissau since 2023, and Amnesty warned the absence could “tarnish” the process. Maritime Safety & Diplomacy: India reported all 20 Indian crew evacuated from the Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker MT Jalveer off Oman have returned home, as New Delhi continues protests over repeated US strikes on commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman. Media & Governance: Liberia’s Press Union urged FAO to use mainstream and digital media more strategically across West Africa, including Guinea-Bissau, to boost the reach of food and agriculture programmes. Politics Beyond Bissau: Ghana is set to host a June 17–19 reparatory justice conference in Accra to push global bodies on reparations and restitution of cultural artefacts.

Guinea-Bissau Aviation: Guinea-Bissau signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nigeria’s United Nigeria Airlines to explore launching a national carrier, “Air Bissau,” with Osvaldo Vieira International Airport as the hub—aiming to improve connectivity and cut reliance on foreign airlines. International Justice: In the Central African Republic, a UN-backed court began the in-absentia trial of former president François Bozizé for alleged crimes against humanity and war abuses committed between 2009 and 2013; human rights groups welcomed the push against impunity but criticized the lack of Bozizé’s presence. Regional Economy: The World Bank warned Sub-Saharan Africa’s growth will slow slightly in 2026 as energy shocks and weaker demand bite, even as reforms and trade access support recovery. Maritime Security: Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer was among vessels hit in the Gulf of Oman; India says its crew was evacuated and later repatriated, while diplomatic protests over the strikes continue.

Reparatory Justice Diplomacy: Ghana will host a June 17-19 conference in Accra to push reparations and restitution of cultural artefacts, with plans for three new global bodies (advisory, expert, and legal panels) and a permanent transcontinental consultative forum, tied to UNGA Resolution A/RES/80/250. War Crimes Accountability: In the Central African Republic, a UN-backed court has opened the in-absentia trial of former president François Bozizé over alleged crimes against humanity and war abuses (2009-2013), with Bozizé living in exile in Guinea-Bissau and three former officers already detained. Maritime Security & Consular Response: India says all 20 crew members of the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer have safely returned home after evacuation from Oman, following repeated US strikes in the Gulf of Oman that have also killed Indian seafarers; India continues protests over the safety of commercial shipping. Regional Aviation Deal: Guinea-Bissau signed an MoU with Nigeria’s United Nigeria Airlines to explore launching a national carrier, AIR BISSAU, using Osvaldo Vieira International Airport as a hub. Media Advocacy: Liberia’s Press Union urged FAO to use mainstream and digital media more strategically, including in West Africa and Guinea-Bissau, to boost the reach of agriculture and food security work.

Maritime Safety & Diplomacy: All 20 Indian crew members of the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer safely returned home after being evacuated in Oman following an attack near Shinas; India’s ambassador in Muscat met the crew ahead of repatriation, while the incident was described as the third such case involving Indian seafarers in days. International Human Rights: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk told the Human Rights Council that the “ultimate trajectory” of human rights work is “larger freedom,” while warning of a “shameless onslaught” against international law. Aviation Policy (Guinea-Bissau): Guinea-Bissau signed an MoU with Nigeria’s United Nigeria Airlines to explore launching a national carrier, AIR BISSAU, with Osvaldo Vieira International Airport as the base and a joint venture structure for operations and investment. Regional Shipping Pressure: Reports say the Strait of Hormuz remains open but heavily constrained, with low visible commercial traffic and continued enforcement actions affecting shipping routes.