AGP Executive Report

Public Health & Preparedness: Brown University’s Pandemic Center says it is tracking infectious disease outbreaks worldwide and pushing governments to prevent, mitigate and build resilience against biological threats. Food Security: Wheat prices jumped to a three-year high as fears grow over Black Sea disruptions, with knock-on risks for higher food costs in countries dependent on Ukrainian and Russian supplies, including parts of Africa. ECOWAS & Regional Peace: ECOWAS honoured ECOMOG commanders and journalists killed during the Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau wars, spotlighting West Africa’s regional peacemaking legacy. Guinea-Bissau Health Systems: WAHO donated €1.5m in lab equipment to Guinea-Bissau to strengthen disease detection, surveillance and emergency response. Migration & Safety: A Senegalese Navy interception of a Gambian boat carrying 248 migrants left two Guinean deaths reported, with suspected crew arrested and organisers sought. Wildlife & Culture: Researchers in Boé National Park document “accumulative stone throwing” by western chimpanzees, suggesting a rare, possibly cultural behaviour. Sports (Nigeria/Region): Semi Ajayi backs stronger Super Eagles competition ahead of 2027 AFCON qualifiers, while Lazio’s Dele-Bashiru faces a short injury layoff.

Constitution Vote in Guinea-Bissau: Guinea-Bissau’s military-run authorities will hold a referendum on Sunday, August 30, on a new charter that would sharply expand presidential powers, including appointing and dismissing the prime minister and cabinet, chairing the Council of Ministers, and dissolving parliament, while also shrinking parliament and changing electoral constituencies; the opposition is calling for a boycott, citing restrictions on political freedoms. ECOWAS Support for Polls: ECOWAS officials say the Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) is preparing to support upcoming referendum and general elections, with the ECOWAS resident representative urging commanders to focus on training that strengthens Guinea-Bissau’s defence forces. Public Health Boost: WAHO has donated €1.5 million in lab equipment to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory under a regional project funded by Germany, aiming to improve disease detection, surveillance, and emergency response. Nutrition and Fisheries: Researchers report Guinea-Bissau and other West African countries could gain major nutritional benefits if more fish catch is retained and managed locally, with calcium and other nutrients highlighted as key needs. Regional Security Memory: Nigeria’s Defence Minister Christopher Musa renewed debate in Abuja over who “saved” West Africa during past wars, stressing ECOMOG sacrifices and recalling personal losses tied to Liberia’s civil war.

Constitution Vote in Guinea-Bissau: Guinea-Bissau’s military rulers will hold a referendum on Sunday, Aug. 30, on a new constitution that would sharply expand presidential powers—letting the president appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, chair the Council of Ministers, dissolve parliament in crises, and dismiss the government—while also shrinking parliament and changing electoral constituencies; the opposition is urging a boycott, citing restrictions on freedoms. Public Health Support: The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has donated lab equipment worth about €1.51m to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory under an ECOWAS-backed project to boost disease detection, surveillance, and emergency response. ECOWAS Mission: ECOWAS’s resident representative in Bissau praised the professionalism of senior officers in the ESSMGB stabilisation mission and urged training focused on supporting Guinea-Bissau’s defence forces ahead of the referendum and elections. Nutrition & Fisheries: A study says Guinea-Bissau and other West African countries could gain major nutritional benefits if more fish catch is retained locally, warning that fisheries access and seafood trade rules can affect public health.

Constitutional Referendum in Guinea-Bissau: Guinea-Bissau’s military-led government will hold a constitutional referendum on August 30, a key step ahead of December elections. The proposed charter would expand presidential powers—including appointing and dismissing the prime minister and cabinet, creating or abolishing ministries, chairing the Council of Ministers, and dissolving parliament during a “grave political crisis.” It would also shrink parliament from 102 to 65 seats and cut electoral constituencies from 29 to 12, changes critics say could concentrate power at the top. Public Health Support: The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has donated €1.51 million in lab equipment to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory under an ECOWAS-backed project, aiming to boost disease detection and emergency response. Mpox Alarm: Guinea-Bissau is facing its first mpox outbreak, with reporting highlighting that children make up about half of suspected cases, raising concern about how quickly the virus could spread.

Constitutional Referendum in Guinea-Bissau: Guinea-Bissau’s military-led government will hold a constitutional referendum on August 30 that would sharply expand presidential powers ahead of December elections, including the president appointing and dismissing the prime minister and cabinet, chairing the Council of Ministers, dissolving parliament in a “grave political crisis,” and shrinking parliament from 102 seats to 65. ECOWAS Support for Polls: An ECOWAS envoy has tasked commanders of the Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) with stabilisation support for the country’s referendum and subsequent general elections. ECOWAS Health Policy Goes Local: Guinea-Bissau is moving from planning to implementation of the ECOWAS Regional Community Health Policy, with Gabú and Oio selected as pilot regions after a national workshop in Bissau. Mpox Alarm in Guinea-Bissau: Guinea-Bissau has reported its first mpox outbreak, with children making up about half of suspected cases and UNICEF warning surveillance gaps may be masking wider spread. Regional Nutrition Link: Researchers say Guinea-Bissau could gain major nutritional benefits if more locally caught fish is retained for domestic consumption, pointing to calcium deficiency as a key concern.

Constitutional Referendum: Guinea-Bissau’s military-led government will hold a constitutional referendum on August 30, with the vote set to expand presidential powers ahead of December elections. The proposal would let the president 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 in certain cases—while shrinking parliament from 102 to 65 seats and cutting electoral constituencies from 29 to 12. Political Tension: The opposition PAIGC is urging a boycott, saying parties are excluded and freedoms are restricted. Health Watch: Guinea-Bissau’s first mpox outbreak is raising alarm as children make up about half of suspected cases, with UNICEF warning surveillance gaps may mean the virus is spreading undetected. ECOWAS Health Rollout: Guinea-Bissau is moving from planning to implementation of an ECOWAS community health policy, with Gabú and Oio chosen as pilot regions.

Constitutional Referendum: Guinea-Bissau’s military-led government will hold a constitutional referendum on Aug. 30 that would sharply expand presidential powers, including appointing and dismissing the prime minister and cabinet, dissolving parliament in a “grave political crisis,” and shrinking parliament to 65 seats from 102, with elections in December. Public Health: Guinea-Bissau’s first mpox outbreak is raising alarms as children make up about half of 46 suspected cases, with UNICEF warning surveillance gaps could mean more infections—especially as schools reopen in September. ECOWAS Health Rollout: Guinea-Bissau is moving from planning to implementation of the ECOWAS community health policy, with Gabú and Oio chosen as pilot regions after a Bissau workshop involving health workers, local authorities, and communities. ECOWAS Mission Training: The ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) held a 5km route march in Bissau to boost fitness, teamwork, and interoperability among mission and host security forces. Regional Mobility/Trade: Guinea-Bissau remains on a US port-security watch list, while PAPSS is expanding cross-border payments in local currencies across multiple African countries including Guinea-Bissau.

Mpox in Guinea-Bissau: UNICEF says the country’s first mpox outbreak is a major public health alarm, with children making up half of 46 suspected cases (23 under 15, including 16 aged 0-4). As of Aug. 17, there are 7 confirmed cases among adults and no deaths, but UNICEF warns fragile surveillance may be missing spread—especially as schools reopen in September. Public Health Watch: WHO reports polio type 2 transmission has been stopped in Guinea-Bissau and four other African countries after independent assessments, urging continued vaccination and surveillance. Regional Security & Training: ECOWAS’ 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. Civic Debate: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition PAIGC calls for a boycott of the Aug. 30 constitutional referendum, alleging political exclusion and a shift toward a presidential system.

Mpox Alert in Guinea-Bissau: UNICEF says the country’s first-ever mpox outbreak is hitting children hardest, with children making up half of 46 suspected cases (23 total), including 16 under age four; as of Aug 17, seven adult cases are confirmed and no deaths reported, but UNICEF warns surveillance is fragile and infections may be going undetected—especially with schools reopening in September. Polio Progress: WHO reports poliovirus type 2 transmission has been interrupted in Guinea-Bissau and four other African countries after independent assessments, though officials stress vaccination and monitoring must continue. ECOWAS Mission Fitness Drive: The ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) held a 5-kilometre route march in Bissau to boost personnel fitness, teamwork, and cooperation with Guinea-Bissau security forces. Constitutional Referendum Pushback: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition PAIGC calls for a boycott of the Aug 30 constitutional referendum, arguing parties were excluded and warning the vote could shift the country away from a parliamentary system toward a presidential one. Health Facilities Sanitation Gap: A WHO/UNICEF assessment finds only 7% of Guinea-Bissau health facilities met basic sanitation standards in 2025, highlighting major gaps in toilets and hygiene access.

Mpox in Guinea-Bissau: UNICEF warns the country is ill-prepared for its first mpox outbreak, with children making up half of 46 suspected cases (23 under 15, including 16 under 4). As of Aug. 17, seven adult cases are confirmed and no deaths reported, but gaps in contact tracing, testing, and surveillance could mean more cases are going undetected—especially with schools reopening in September. Polio milestone: WHO says Guinea-Bissau and four other African countries have successfully stopped poliovirus type 2 transmission after independent assessments, but urges continued vaccination and surveillance. Constitutional referendum row: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition PAIGC calls for a boycott of the Aug. 30 constitutional referendum, alleging parties were excluded and the process could be rigged, with changes shifting the country toward a presidential system. ECOWAS mission drills: ESSMGB held a 5-kilometre route march in Bissau to boost fitness, teamwork, and interoperability between mission personnel and Guinea-Bissau security forces. Health facilities sanitation: WHO/UNICEF report shows only 7% of Guinea-Bissau health facilities met basic sanitation standards in 2025, highlighting major gaps in toilets and hygiene access. US maritime security: The US Coast Guard keeps Guinea-Bissau on its port security advisory list, meaning extra security conditions may apply to ships calling there before entering the US.

ECOWAS Mission Fitness Push: The ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) held a 5-kilometre route march in Bissau to boost physical fitness, teamwork and operational readiness, bringing together officers and soldiers from Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and the Level II Hospital, plus Guinea-Bissau security forces. Mpox Alarm in Guinea-Bissau: UNICEF says the country’s first mpox outbreak is worrying, with children under 15 making up half of 46 suspected cases (23 children, including 16 under age four). Seven adult cases are confirmed so far, with no deaths reported, but UNICEF warns surveillance gaps and the September school reopening could raise transmission risk. Constitutional Referendum Under Fire: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition PAIGC is calling for a boycott of the Aug. 30 constitutional referendum, arguing parties were excluded and the process could be rigged, with proposed changes shifting toward a presidential system. Public Health Basics: WHO/UNICEF report finds only 7% of Guinea-Bissau health facilities met basic sanitation standards in 2025, highlighting major gaps in usable toilets and hygiene access. Regional Security Watch: The US Coast Guard says 22 countries remain on its port security advisory list, including Guinea-Bissau, after ports were judged not to maintain effective anti-terror measures.

ECOWAS Security Update: The ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) held a 5-kilometre route march in Bissau to boost troops’ fitness, teamwork, and interoperability with Guinea-Bissau security forces, with the Force Commander urging commanders to keep physical readiness a priority. Public Health Alert: Guinea-Bissau is facing its first mpox outbreak, with UNICEF warning that children are hit hardest: 23 of 46 suspected cases are under 15 (16 under age four), while seven adult cases have been confirmed and no deaths reported; UNICEF says surveillance gaps could let cases spread unnoticed as schools reopen in September. Health Infrastructure: A WHO/UNICEF assessment finds sanitation shortfalls across West Africa, with Guinea-Bissau health facilities meeting basic sanitation standards at just 7% in 2025. Politics Watch: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition PAIGC is calling for a boycott of the Aug. 30 constitutional referendum, arguing parties were excluded and the process could be rigged as the vote would shift the country from a parliamentary to a presidential system. Regional Security: The US Coast Guard says 22 countries remain on its port security advisory list, including Guinea-Bissau, after judging ports are not maintaining effective anti-terror measures.

Mpox Alert in Guinea-Bissau: UNICEF says the country’s first-ever mpox outbreak is a major public health event, with children making up half of 46 suspected cases (23 under 15, including 16 under 4). Seven adult cases are confirmed so far with no deaths, but UNICEF warns surveillance gaps could mean cases are being missed—especially as schools reopen in September. Constitutional Referendum Under Fire: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition PAIGC is calling for a boycott of the Aug. 30 constitutional referendum, arguing parties were excluded and the process could be rigged; the vote would shift the system from parliamentary to presidential. Civil Society Push for Openness: Local groups say citizens must get clear information and a real public debate—not just a yes-or-no vote—and they want elections restored through legitimate institutions. Health Facilities Sanitation Gap: WHO/UNICEF report that only 7% of Guinea-Bissau health facilities met basic sanitation standards in 2025, highlighting risks for patient safety. Regional Security Watch: The US Coast Guard lists Guinea-Bissau among 22 countries where ports are not meeting effective antiterrorism measures, which could add security requirements for ships heading to the US. Tax Administration Support: Guinea-Bissau is among six countries to benefit from a US$5.3m AfDB-backed project to strengthen tax systems and domestic revenue. Cashew Exports: Guinea-Bissau has exported about 200,000 tonnes of cashew nuts this season, with port dredging planned for October to speed shipments. Religious Milestone: Aicha Settimia Canté, daughter of a Bissau-Guinean imam, made her first profession as a Catholic religious sister, drawing both celebration and online hate speech. Opposition After Rapper Killing: Reuters reports the killing of opposition rapper Vigario Luis Balanta has pushed his movement underground amid Guinea-Bissau’s military rule.

Mpox Alert in Guinea-Bissau: UNICEF warns the country’s first mpox outbreak is a major public health test, with 46 suspected cases and children under 15 making up half (23), including 16 aged 0-4; seven adult cases are confirmed with no deaths so far, but UNICEF flags fragile surveillance and fears spread as schools reopen in September. Constitutional Referendum Pushback: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition PAIGC calls for a boycott of the Aug. 30 constitutional referendum, saying political parties were excluded and the process risks being rigged; the vote would shift the system away from parliament toward a presidential model. Religious Milestone: Aicha Settimia Canté, daughter of an imam, made her first profession as a Catholic religious sister in Bissau, highlighting interfaith coexistence amid online backlash. Regional Diplomacy: Russia and Ghana’s foreign ministers back steps to normalize relations between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), focusing on security and counterterrorism. US 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 antiterrorism measures.

Mpox in Guinea-Bissau: UNICEF says the country’s first mpox outbreak is already hitting children hard, with 23 of 46 suspected cases under age 15 (16 under age 4). Seven adult cases are confirmed so far, with no deaths reported, but UNICEF warns surveillance gaps could mean more infections are going undetected—especially as schools reopen in September. Constitutional referendum row: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition PAIGC is calling for a boycott of the 30 August constitutional referendum, arguing parties were excluded and the process could be rigged, with proposed changes shifting the country from a parliamentary to a presidential system. Public health basics: WHO and UNICEF report that only 7% of health facilities in Guinea-Bissau met basic sanitation standards in 2025, highlighting sanitation and access gaps that affect patient dignity and safety. Religious milestone: Aicha Settimia Canté, daughter of a Bissau-Guinean imam, made her first profession as a Catholic religious sister in Bissau, drawing both celebration and online hate speech. Security watchlist: The US Coast Guard says Guinea-Bissau remains on its port security advisory list, meaning extra security steps may be required for ships calling there before entering the US. Tax administration support: An AfDB-backed project worth about US$5.3m will strengthen tax administration in Guinea-Bissau and other West African states.

Opposition Under Pressure: Reuters reports the March killing of Guinea-Bissau rapper and opposition activist Vigario Luis Balanta has pushed his movement underground as people fear a continued cycle of coups and violence. Mpox Alarm: UNICEF says Guinea-Bissau’s first mpox outbreak is a major public health event, with 46 suspected cases and children making up half (23 under 15, including 16 under four); seven adult cases are confirmed with no deaths so far, but surveillance is “fragile” and school reopenings in September could raise transmission risk. Cashew Exports: Guinea-Bissau has exported about 200,000 tonnes of cashew nuts this season, with port dredging planned for October to speed shipments. Polio Milestone: WHO confirms polio type 2 transmission has been interrupted in five African countries, including Guinea-Bissau, after targeted vaccination and surveillance efforts.