AGP Executive Report

Constitutional Referendum: Guinea-Bissau’s military-led transitional authorities will hold a referendum on Sunday, Aug. 30, on a new constitution that would expand presidential powers and reshape the electoral system ahead of December elections—while the opposition PAIGC and civil society groups call for a boycott, arguing the process lacks democratic legitimacy and that freedoms are suspended. Political Stakes: Supporters say the changes clarify authority and reduce institutional clashes; critics warn the draft concentrates power in the presidency and could disadvantage locally rooted parties as Parliament is set to shrink and constituencies be redrawn. Peacebuilding Pressure: Church and traditional leaders were urged to back peacebuilding and avoid inflaming crises, with media leaders also warned to report responsibly. Regional Memory & Security: ECOWAS marked 50 years of ECOMOG’s role in restoring peace across West Africa, honoring commanders and journalists tied to Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-Bissau—while highlighting how regional security interventions shaped politics. Public Health Support: WAHO/ECOWAS handed Guinea-Bissau €1.5m in lab equipment to strengthen disease detection and emergency response.

Constitutional Referendum: Guinea-Bissau is set to vote on Aug. 30 on a new charter that would significantly expand presidential powers, including appointing and dismissing the prime minister and cabinet, creating or abolishing ministries, chairing the Council of Ministers, and dissolving parliament in a grave political crisis; it would also shrink parliament from 102 to 65 seats and cut electoral constituencies from 29 to 12, with supporters saying it strengthens institutions and critics warning it concentrates authority. ECOWAS Security for Elections: In Bissau, the ECOWAS Resident Representative, Amb. Ngozi Ukaeje, praised the professionalism of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) and urged senior officers to focus on supporting Guinea-Bissau’s national defence forces ahead of the referendum and subsequent general elections. Public Health Support: WAHO donated €1.5 million in lab equipment to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory to boost disease detection, epidemiological monitoring, and emergency response capacity under an ECOWAS-backed project funded by Germany. Regional Peacekeeping Legacy: ECOWAS honoured ECOMOG commanders and journalists killed during the Liberia and Sierra Leone conflicts, while Defence Minister Christopher Musa recalled losing 10 Nigerian Defence Academy coursemates in Liberia during the same peacekeeping era.

Constitutional Referendum: Guinea-Bissau is set to vote on Aug. 30 on a new constitution that would sharply expand presidential powers after the military seized power last year, including the ability to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, create or abolish ministries, chair the Council of Ministers, dissolve parliament in a grave crisis, and dismiss the government; it would also cut parliament from 102 to 65 seats and reduce electoral constituencies from 29 to 12, with critics warning it could concentrate authority in the presidency and opposition calling for a boycott amid restrictions on political activity. ECOWAS Support for Polls: ECOWAS’s resident representative in Guinea-Bissau, Amb. Ngozi Ukaeje, praised the professionalism of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission (ESSMGB) and urged commanders to focus on supporting Guinea-Bissau’s national defence forces ahead of the referendum and December elections. Public Health Capacity: WAHO handed over €1.51m in lab equipment to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory under a PROALAB project funded by Germany/KfW, aiming to strengthen disease detection, surveillance, and emergency response.

Constitutional Referendum: Guinea-Bissau’s military-led authorities will hold a constitutional referendum on August 30 that would sharply expand presidential powers ahead of December elections, including the ability to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, create or abolish ministries, chair the Council of Ministers, dissolve parliament during a “grave political crisis,” and dismiss the government in certain cases; the reform also shrinks parliament from 102 to 65 seats and reduces electoral constituencies from 29 to 12, a move critics say could curb opposition and concentrate authority in the presidency. ECOWAS Poll Support: ECOWAS’s Resident Representative Amb. Ngozi Ukaeje has urged commanders of the ESSMGB stabilisation mission to tailor training to support Guinea-Bissau’s national defence forces for the referendum and subsequent general elections, as the mission prepares to “hit the ground running.” Public Health Capacity: The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) handed over lab equipment worth €1.51m to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory under an ECOWAS-backed project, aiming to strengthen diagnostics and epidemiological surveillance.

Constitutional Referendum: Guinea-Bissau’s military-led authorities will hold a constitutional referendum on August 30 that would sharply expand presidential powers ahead of December elections, including the ability to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, create or abolish ministries, chair the Council of Ministers, dissolve parliament in a “grave political crisis,” and dismiss the government; the reform also shrinks parliament from 102 to 65 seats and cuts electoral constituencies from 29 to 12, with critics warning it could concentrate “absolute power” and opposition groups urging a boycott amid restrictions on political activity. ECOWAS Support Ahead of Polls: ECOWAS officials say the Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) is preparing for the referendum and subsequent elections, including guidance to commanders to tailor training to support Guinea-Bissau’s national defence forces. Public Health Push: WAHO and ECOWAS-backed efforts delivered €1.5m in lab equipment to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory to strengthen disease detection and emergency response, while Guinea-Bissau also moves to pilot the ECOWAS community health policy in Gabú and Oio. Mpox Alarm: Guinea-Bissau’s first mpox outbreak is raising concern as more than half of reported cases are children, with UNICEF warning surveillance gaps may be letting transmission go undetected.

Constitutional Referendum: Guinea-Bissau’s military-led authorities will hold a constitutional referendum on August 30 that would sharply expand presidential power ahead of December elections, including letting the president appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, chair the Council of Ministers, dissolve parliament in a “grave political crisis,” and dismiss the government in certain cases; the plan also shrinks parliament from 102 to 65 seats and cuts electoral constituencies to 12 from 29, with critics warning it could concentrate power and limit opposition while the PAIGC calls for a boycott. ECOWAS Support for Polls: An ECOWAS envoy has tasked commanders of the Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to tailor stabilisation support for the referendum and subsequent elections. Health Policy Rollout: Guinea-Bissau has moved from planning to implementation of the ECOWAS Community Health Policy, with Gabú and Oio selected as pilot regions after a national workshop in Bissau. Mpox Alert: Guinea-Bissau’s first mpox outbreak is raising alarm as children make up about half of suspected cases, with UNICEF warning surveillance gaps may be masking wider spread. Regional Security/Operations: ESSMGB personnel in Bissau held a five-kilometre route march to boost fitness, teamwork, and interoperability with host security forces. International Shipping Watch: The US Coast Guard keeps Guinea-Bissau on its port-security advisory list, meaning extra security conditions may apply to vessels calling at affected ports before entering the US.

Constitutional Referendum: Guinea-Bissau’s military-led government will hold a constitutional referendum on Sunday, Aug. 30, ahead of December elections, proposing a shift to a stronger presidential system: the president would appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, chair the Council of Ministers, create or abolish ministries, dissolve parliament in a “grave political crisis,” and dismiss the government in certain cases, while parliament would shrink from 102 to 65 seats and electoral constituencies from 29 to 12; Political Backlash: opposition PAIGC is urging a boycott, saying parties are excluded and freedoms are restricted, while critics warn the changes could concentrate “absolute power” in the presidency; Public Health: Guinea-Bissau reports its first mpox outbreak, with UNICEF warning surveillance is fragile and that children make up about half of suspected cases, raising concern as schools reopen; ECOWAS Health Policy: Guinea-Bissau is piloting the ECOWAS Community Health Policy in Gabú and Oio after a national workshop, aiming to push essential services closer to underserved communities; Regional Security/Capacity: ECOWAS’s stabilisation mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) held a 5-kilometre route march to boost fitness, teamwork, and interoperability with local security forces.

Constitutional Referendum: Guinea-Bissau’s military-led government will hold a constitutional referendum on Aug 30 that would sharply expand presidential powers—letting the president appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, dissolve parliament in a “grave political crisis,” and reshape elections by shrinking parliament to 65 seats and cutting electoral constituencies to 12. Opposition Pushback: PAIGC says parties have been excluded and calls for a boycott, warning the process is set up to be rigged and that the shift to a presidential system would sideline the parliamentary model. Public Health: Guinea-Bissau is battling its first mpox outbreak, with UNICEF warning surveillance is fragile and that children make up half of 46 suspected cases (including 16 under age four). Regional Health Implementation: Guinea-Bissau is piloting the ECOWAS Community Health Policy in Gabú and Oio after a national workshop, aiming to strengthen community health roles and coordination. Security/Travel: The U.S. Coast Guard keeps Guinea-Bissau on its port-security advisory list, citing weak antiterrorism measures at some ports. ECOWAS Mission Activity: ESSMGB held a 5-km route march in Bissau to boost fitness, teamwork, and interoperability with Guinea-Bissau security forces.

Constitutional Referendum Under Fire: Guinea-Bissau’s main opposition PAIGC is calling for a boycott of the Aug. 30 constitutional referendum, arguing political parties were excluded and that the process could be rigged; the vote would shift the country away from a parliamentary system toward a presidential one, with the president able to appoint the prime minister and dissolve parliament. Public Health Watch: Guinea-Bissau’s first mpox outbreak is raising alarm as children make up half of suspected cases (23 of 46), including 16 under age four, with UNICEF warning surveillance is fragile and cases may be going undetected. Regional Security & Cooperation: ECOWAS’ Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) held a 5-kilometre route march in Bissau to boost fitness, teamwork, and interoperability between mission personnel and Guinea-Bissau security forces. International Shipping Risk: The U.S. Coast Guard says Guinea-Bissau remains on its port security advisory list, meaning extra security requirements may apply to ships calling at affected ports before entering the U.S.

Mpox Alert: Guinea-Bissau’s first mpox outbreak is raising alarm after UNICEF said children make up half of suspected cases, with 16 children under age four among 46 suspected; authorities report seven confirmed cases and no deaths since the epidemic was declared on 4 July, but UNICEF warns fragile surveillance may be missing infections. Constitutional Referendum Fight: PAIGC is calling for a boycott of the 30 August constitutional referendum, arguing political parties were excluded and the process is set up to be rigged; the vote would decide whether amendments approved by the National Transitional Council enter into force, shifting the system toward a presidential model. ECOWAS Security Presence: The ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) held a 5-kilometre route march in Bissau to boost fitness, teamwork, and interoperability with Guinea-Bissau security forces. Regional Health Update: WHO says poliovirus type 2 transmission has been interrupted in Guinea-Bissau and four other African countries, following assessments that found outbreaks successfully stopped. Opposition Under Pressure: Reuters reports the killing of opposition activist and rapper Vigario Luis Balanta has pushed his movement underground as Guinea-Bissau remains under military rule.

Constitutional Referendum Under Fire: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition PAIGC is calling for a boycott of the August 30 constitutional referendum, arguing political parties were excluded and warning the vote is set up to be rigged; the referendum would shift the country away from a parliamentary system toward a presidential one, letting the president appoint the prime minister and dissolve parliament. Civil Society Pushes for Inclusion: A civil society statement says the constitution belongs to the people, not the transitional authorities, and insists the referendum must come with clear public information, civic education, and a plural debate—plus free, fair elections to restore constitutional normality. Security and Rights Spotlight: A Reuters report says opposition rapper Vigario Luis Balanta was beaten to death in March, with his movement going underground after the killing amid Guinea-Bissau’s military rule. Public Health Alert: UNICEF warns Guinea-Bissau’s first mpox outbreak is a “major public health event,” with half of 46 suspected cases among children and 16 under age four, raising concern as schools reopen in September. Regional Security Watch: The US Coast Guard keeps Guinea-Bissau on its port security advisory list, saying ports are not maintaining effective anti-terror measures. ECOWAS Mission Training: ESSMGB held a 5-kilometre route march in Bissau to boost fitness, teamwork, and interoperability between ECOWAS personnel and Guinea-Bissau security forces.

Constitutional Referendum Fight: Guinea-Bissau’s main opposition PAIGC is urging a boycott of the Aug. 30 constitutional referendum, arguing parties were excluded and that the process is set up to be rigged; the vote would decide whether amendments—moving the country away from a parliamentary system toward a presidential one—approved by the National Transitional Council take effect. Civil Society Pushback: Rights groups say it is not enough to ask citizens to vote “yes” or “no”; they want clear public information, civic education, and a genuinely inclusive debate, while also questioning the referendum’s legality and calling for credible elections to restore constitutional normality. Mpox Alarm: UNICEF warns Guinea-Bissau’s first mpox outbreak is a major public health event, with children making up half of 46 suspected cases (including 16 under age four), as schools reopen in September and surveillance remains fragile. Public Health Milestone: WHO says poliovirus type 2 transmission has been interrupted in Guinea-Bissau and four other African countries, following targeted vaccination and surveillance work. Regional Security Training: ECOWAS’ Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) held a 5-kilometre route march in Bissau to boost fitness, teamwork, and interoperability among mission and Guinea-Bissau security forces. Tax Administration Funding: The AfDB-backed Strengthening Tax Administration Capacity Project will support Guinea-Bissau with regional revenue-mobilisation and more resilient tax systems.

Constitutional Referendum Under Fire: Guinea-Bissau’s main opposition PAIGC is calling for a boycott of the Aug. 30 constitutional referendum, arguing parties were excluded, the process is likely to be rigged, and the proposed shift from a parliamentary system to a presidential one would concentrate power. ECOWAS Security Presence: In Bissau, the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission (ESSMGB) held a 5-kilometre route march to boost troop fitness, teamwork, and interoperability with host-nation security forces. Public Health Alert: UNICEF says Guinea-Bissau’s first mpox outbreak is a major public health event, with 46 suspected cases and half involving children, including 16 under age four, raising concern ahead of school reopening. Health Policy Milestone: WHO confirmed polio type 2 transmission has been interrupted in Guinea-Bissau and four other African countries after assessments and targeted vaccination efforts. Trade and Economy: Guinea-Bissau has exported about 200,000 tonnes of cashew nuts so far this season, with port dredging planned for October to speed shipments.

Constitutional Referendum Under Fire: Guinea-Bissau’s main opposition PAIGC is calling for a boycott of the Aug. 30 constitutional referendum, arguing parties were excluded and that the process is set up to be rigged; the vote would decide whether amendments approved by the National Transitional Council take effect after the army seized power in November and suspended elections. Political Violence Fallout: A Reuters report says opposition activist and rapper Vigario Luis Balanta was beaten to death in March and that his movement’s leaders have gone underground since the military takeover, with his wife describing repeated threats and the shock of finding his body. Public Health Alert (Mpox): UNICEF warns Guinea-Bissau’s first mpox outbreak is a major public health event, with 46 suspected cases including many children—half of suspected cases and 16 under age four—raising concern ahead of school reopening. Regional Diplomacy: Russia’s Lavrov and Ghana’s foreign minister agreed measures to normalize ties between ECOWAS and the Sahel bloc AES, with security and counterterrorism in the Sahara-Sahel highlighted. US Port Security: The US Coast Guard keeps Guinea-Bissau on its port security advisory list, saying ports are not maintaining effective antiterrorism measures, which could add conditions for ships heading to the US. Governance & Revenue: A new AfDB-backed tax administration project will benefit Guinea-Bissau among other states, aiming to strengthen domestic revenue systems.

Constitutional Referendum Under Fire: Guinea-Bissau’s main opposition PAIGC is calling for a boycott of the 30 August constitutional referendum, arguing parties were excluded and that the process is set up to be rigged; the vote would decide whether amendments approved by the National Transitional Council enter into force after the November coup and the suspension of the electoral process. Public Debate Demands: Civil society groups say it is “not enough” to ask citizens to vote yes or no, urging clear information, civic education, and a transparent, inclusive public debate, while warning the referendum’s legality is questionable and calling for credible elections to restore constitutional normality. Political Violence Spotlight: A Reuters report revisits the March killing of opposition rapper Vigario Luis Balanta, saying his movement’s leaders have gone underground as they try to break the cycle of coups and violence under military rule. Health Alert—Mpox: UNICEF warns Guinea-Bissau’s first mpox outbreak is a major public health event, with half of 46 suspected cases among children and surveillance described as fragile, as schools reopen in September. Regional Security Diplomacy: Russia’s Lavrov and Ghana’s foreign minister Ablakwa say they agreed measures to normalize relations between ECOWAS and the Sahel’s AES, with security and counterterrorism in the Sahara-Sahel a key focus. US Port Security Watchlist: The US Coast Guard says 22 countries remain on its port security advisory list, including Guinea-Bissau, after finding ports are not maintaining effective anti-terror measures. Trade & Economy: Guinea-Bissau reports exporting about 200,000 tonnes of cashew nuts so far this season, with port dredging planned for October to speed shipments.

Constitutional Referendum Fight: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition PAIGC is calling for a boycott of the Aug. 30 constitutional referendum, arguing political parties were excluded and warning of a “tendency to rig” the process; the vote would decide whether amendments approved by the National Transitional Council take effect, including a shift from a parliamentary system to a presidential one with powers to appoint the prime minister and dissolve parliament. Civil Society Pushback: Civil society groups echo the demand for a more inclusive, transparent constitutional review, saying it is not enough to ask citizens to vote “yes or no” without clear information, civic education, and a plural public debate, and they urge credible elections to restore constitutional normality. Mpox Alarm in Guinea-Bissau: UNICEF says Guinea-Bissau’s first mpox outbreak is a major public health event, with half of 46 suspected cases among children (including 16 under age four) and concern that the country’s surveillance is fragile as schools reopen in September. US Port Security Watch: The US Coast Guard keeps Guinea-Bissau on its port security advisory list, citing ports that are “not maintaining effective antiterrorism measures,” which can trigger extra security requirements for ships before entering the US. Regional Health Milestone: WHO reports polio type 2 transmission has been interrupted in Guinea-Bissau and four other African countries after assessments and targeted vaccination efforts. Tax Administration Funding: Guinea-Bissau is among six West African countries set to benefit from a US$5.3m AfDB-backed project to strengthen tax administration and domestic revenue systems.