AGP Executive Report

Doctors’ Return Home: Five Guinea-Bissau doctors have completed postgraduate specialist training in Venezuela and returned this Monday, ready to strengthen the national health system. Electricity Boost for West Africa: The World Bank says a regional power integration programme is expanding cross-border electricity trade, with over 4,000 km of transmission lines built and more than three million people gaining access since 2019. Climate Finance for Guinea-Bissau: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects worth over $67m, including support for Guinea-Bissau to cut flood and coastal risks and improve food and water security. Hunger Warning: WFP warns Guinea-Bissau’s lean season could push nearly 130,000 people into crisis hunger, with school meals and nutrition support reduced due to funding shortfalls. US Deportations in Focus: The US DHS confirmed 355 West Africans will be deported, including 110 Nigerians; Guinea-Bissau is listed with one person. Football & Local Interest: Guinea-Bissau international Carlos Mendes Gomes was released by Bolton Wanderers after promotion, while Guinea-Bissau’s Sarah Jarju shone for Berewuleng in the GFF Women’s First Division.

US Deportation Watch: The US Department of Homeland Security says at least 110 Nigerians are set for deportation, part of a wider crackdown returning 355 West Africans. Nigeria leads the list with 110, followed by Liberia (94), while Ghana (30) and Senegal (19) come next; the DHS also published names and photos and cited immigration violations including visa overstays and unlawful entry. Food Security in Guinea-Bissau: The UN World Food Programme warns hunger is worsening in Guinea-Bissau as funding shortfalls force cuts during the June–August lean season, including fewer school meals and a halt to specialized nutrition for children under two. Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF council approved new resilience projects worth over $67 million, including support for Guinea-Bissau, to tackle flood and coastal risks and strengthen food, water, and disaster preparedness. Energy and Power Access: A World Bank-backed regional power programme says it has expanded electricity access to over three million people across West Africa through transmission upgrades and cross-border trading. OMVG Energy Project: Guinea’s OMVG chair warns financial constraints and contract tensions could delay key projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG interconnection. Regional Food and Rice Costs: The AfDB urges West Africa to move from planning to action on rice, warning the region’s $3.5 billion annual import bill drains foreign reserves.

Food Security in Guinea-Bissau: The UN World Food Programme warns that hunger and malnutrition are worsening as funding shortfalls force cuts during the June–August lean season, including fewer school meals (283,400 down to about 152,000) and a suspension of specialized nutrition for under-twos. Regional Rice Push: The African Development Bank urges West Africa to move from plans to action on rice, warning a $3.5bn annual import bill drains foreign reserves, and highlighting early funding for a $680m regional programme that includes projects in Guinea-Bissau. Climate Finance: The GEF says Bangladesh, DR Congo, Guinea-Bissau, and others will receive over $67m to strengthen resilience, with projects aimed at flood and coastal risks plus food and water security. Electricity Access: A World Bank-backed West Africa power integration programme says it has expanded electricity access to more than 3 million people and built over 4,000km of transmission lines across 15 countries. US Deportations: The US confirms deportation of 355 people from West Africa, releasing names and photos, including one listed from Guinea-Bissau.

Humanitarian & Food Security: WFP warns Guinea-Bissau’s June–August lean season will push children and vulnerable families deeper into hunger as funding shortfalls force cuts, including fewer school meals (283,400 down to about 152,000) and suspension of specialized nutrition for under-twos (about 56,000 affected). Climate Finance: The GEF approved over USD 67 million for Guinea-Bissau and other vulnerable countries to strengthen resilience against flood and coastal risks, with projects backed by LDCF/SCCF and aiming for major co-financing. Energy Access: A World Bank-backed West Africa power programme says electricity access has expanded to more than 3 million people across the region, supported by thousands of kilometres of transmission lines and cross-border trading. Regional Governance & Democracy: A Catholic priest in Bissau warns of “facade democracy” and growing democracy crisis, urging real alternation and protection of sovereignty. US Immigration Enforcement: The US confirmed deportation of 355 West Africans, releasing names and photos, including 1 person listed as Guinea-Bissau national. Sports (Nigeria): Nigeria’s Super Eagles retained the Unity Cup after beating Jamaica 3-0, with attention now turning to 2027 AFCON qualifiers including Guinea-Bissau in Group L.

Food Security Crisis: WFP warns Guinea-Bissau is heading into the June–August lean season with nearly 130,000 people facing crisis hunger, school meal cuts already dropping from 283,400 to about 152,000 children, and specialized nutrition for under-twos suspended due to funding shortfalls and supply disruptions. Democracy Under Pressure: A new report highlights how coups and crises are reshaping African democracy, pointing to a wider West African military trend and the growing gap between elections and real accountability. Energy Access & Power Strain: The World Bank says a West Africa power integration programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people, while separate coverage shows regional power shortages and load management hitting households. Church & Youth Ministry: In Guinea-Bissau, Catholic leaders urged newly ordained priests and deacons to stay close to people, avoid living online, and serve the poor and sick. Regional Integration Move: Congo announces visa-free entry for all Africans from January 2027, joining other countries easing travel rules.

Food Security Crisis: WFP warns Guinea-Bissau’s June–August lean season will push nearly 130,000 people toward crisis hunger, with school meal support cut from 283,400 to about 152,000 and specialized nutrition for under-twos suspended due to funding shortfalls and supply disruptions. Energy Access Push: The World Bank-backed West Africa power programme says it has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people, building 4,000+ km of transmission lines across 15 countries to boost cross-border power trade. OMVG Energy Funding Worry: Guinea’s OMVG chairman Laye Sekou Camara warns cash-flow problems and contract tensions could delay key projects like Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG interconnection unless member states clear dues and secure budgets. Pastoral Call in Bissau: A newly ordained priest and deacons were urged to serve closely with the faithful, avoid living online, and focus on the poor, sick, and marginalized. Regional Democracy Debate: A broader West Africa democracy-and-coup discussion highlights how military takeovers are reshaping accountability and elections across the region, including Guinea-Bissau. Sports Spotlight: Nigeria’s Super Eagles keep momentum in the Unity Cup, with Chelle setting up upcoming friendlies while stressing focus ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers that include Guinea-Bissau.

Super Eagles Update: Nigeria coach Eric Chelle says key forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will miss friendlies in Portugal and Poland, citing visa issues for some players and club demands for others as Nigeria rebuilds ahead of future AFCON and World Cup work. Electricity for West Africa: A World Bank-backed power programme has expanded electricity access to more than 3 million people across West Africa, building over 4,000 km of high-voltage lines linking 15 countries and boosting cross-border power trade. Unity Cup Momentum: Chelle again apologised to Nigerians after the 2026 World Cup and AFCON setbacks, but Nigeria’s Unity Cup run continues to lift confidence after a 3-0 win over Jamaica, with Alhassan Yusuf and Terem Moffi starring. Press Freedom Watch: Reporters Without Borders says global press freedom hit a 25-year low in 2026, with over half of countries now in “difficult” or “very serious” categories. FGM Advocacy: Guinea-Bissau-born Djabu Balde speaks out against female genital mutilation, urging action for girls and women. Guinea-Bissau in the Spotlight: Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying group includes Guinea-Bissau, with Chelle warning Tanzania and others are not “small teams.”

Press Freedom Watch: Reporters Without Borders says global press freedom hit a 25-year low in 2026, with over half of countries now rated “difficult” or “very serious,” and the U.S. ranking 64th. Human Rights & Justice: Senegalese journalist René Capain Bassène was released after more than eight years in detention, following a presidential pardon tied to a long-running Casamance case. FGM Voices: Djabu Balde, a Guinea-Bissau survivor, spoke out against female genital mutilation, sharing her testimony and rebuilding story. Maritime Security: A Mediterranean “Mayday” rescue failure led to a violent interception of a flotilla bound for Gaza; all 430 people taken were later released. Regional Integration: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 2027, joining other African states easing travel rules. Guinea-Bissau in Sport: Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying group includes Guinea-Bissau, with Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle warning there are no “small teams” in Africa. Maritime Exercise: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped up after a three-week Gulf of Guinea drill that included Guinea-Bissau and other regional navies.

Myanmar Peace Talks: Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta urged Myanmar’s warring sides to meet “under a tent,” proposing a retired four-star South-east Asian general to guide talks and push humanitarian access. Guinea-Bissau Regional Energy: ECOWAS OMVG leaders warned that cash-flow problems and contract disputes could delay key projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG Interconnection, calling for member states to clear dues and fund 2026 plans. Maritime Security: The multinational Obangame Express exercise (OE26) wrapped after three weeks in Cameroon, with Guinea-Bissau among participating countries, targeting piracy, illegal fishing and trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea. AFCON Focus (Nigeria): Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle stressed Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania are not “small teams” ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers, after Nigeria were drawn with Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Drug Crackdown (Region): South African authorities seized about 713kg of methaqualone at Beitbridge, arresting three suspects and launching a trafficking probe. Africa Day Mobility: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 2027, joining other countries easing travel rules.

Guinea-Bissau in the spotlight: Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is warning against complacency ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers, with Guinea-Bissau named in Group L alongside Tanzania and Madagascar—an early reminder that “no small team” exists in Africa. Regional security: ECOWAS inspection teams visited Guinea-Bissau as part of readiness checks for the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission. Maritime cooperation: The multinational Obangame Express exercise (OE26) wrapped up after a three-week run in Cameroon, with Guinea-Bissau among participating countries tackling piracy, illegal fishing and trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea. Sports and local pride: FC Midtjylland’s sports director said injury to Guinea-Bissau striker Franculino was “fatal” in the Danish title race, underscoring the impact of Bissau talent abroad. Africa mobility: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 2027, adding momentum to wider regional travel reforms.

Premier League Diversity: A new analysis of the finished 2025-26 season highlights how clubs used players from many countries, with Everton the least diverse at nine nationalities (including Guinea-Bissau) while Burnley, Sunderland, Tottenham and Wolves led with 17. Drug Interdiction: South African border authorities seized about 713kg of methaqualone at Beitbridge, arresting three suspects after an eight-hour search. Africa Cultural Diplomacy: Venezuela hosted a “Peoples of Africa” festival in Caracas, celebrating African heritage through dance, music, crafts and gastronomy. Media Rights: The CPJ welcomed Senegal’s pardon and release of journalist René Capain Bassène after more than eight years in prison. Regional Mobility: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 2027, joining other countries easing travel rules. Guinea-Bissau in the Spotlight: Guinea-Bissau is listed among participating nations in the Obangame Express maritime exercise, and also appears in coverage tied to African football and shipping. Football—Unity Cup: Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in London, setting up a final against Jamaica or India.

ECOWAS Mission Oversight in Guinea-Bissau: An ECOWAS inspection team visited the GHANCOY 4 unit in Guinea-Bissau to assess operational readiness for the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB), led by Dr Sani Adamu of the ECOWAS Peace Support Operations Division. AFCON 2027 Focus for Nigeria (with Guinea-Bissau in the group): Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is warning against complacency after Nigeria were drawn with Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in AFCON 2027 qualifying Group L, stressing that even “no small team” can be underestimated. Unity Cup Results: Debutant Femi Azeez scored twice as Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the Unity Cup semi-final in London, booking a final spot. Africa Day Mobility Push: Congo President Denis Sassou N’Guesso announced visa-free entry for all African nationals from January 2027, aiming to boost regional integration. Maritime Security Drill: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped up after a three-week multinational exercise in Cameroon, with Guinea-Bissau among participating countries targeting piracy, illegal fishing and trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea.

Senegal Justice Update: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) welcomed Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye’s pardon of journalist René Capain Bassène, released after more than eight years in prison over the 2018 Bayottes forest killings in Casamance. Regional Security & Cooperation: ECOWAS officials carried out an operational readiness inspection for the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau, while Nigeria’s National Boundary Commission urged stronger ECOWAS cross-border cooperation to fight terrorism and transnational crime. Maritime Safety in the Gulf of Guinea: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped up after a three-week multinational naval exercise in Cameroon, with Guinea-Bissau among participating countries targeting piracy, illegal fishing and trafficking. Energy Integration Watch: OMVG’s council meeting in Guinea warned that financial constraints and contract tensions could delay key projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG Interconnection unless member states clear dues and secure budgets. AFCON Focus (Football): Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle warned against complacency in AFCON 2027 qualifying Group L, which includes Guinea-Bissau, Tanzania and Madagascar, as preparations continue for the campaign.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been drawn into Group L with Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, and coach Eric Chelle is warning against complacency, stressing that even “no small team” can be treated lightly as the campaign unfolds across FIFA windows in September, November 2026 and March 2027. Unity Cup Football: In London, debutant Femi Azeez scored twice as the Super Eagles beat Zimbabwe 2-0 to reach the Unity Cup final, where they will face Jamaica or India. Regional Security (ECOWAS): An ECOWAS inspection team visited the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau, while ECOWAS officials pushed for stronger cross-border cooperation to tackle terrorism and transnational crime. Energy Integration (OMVG): Guinea’s energy minister and OMVG chair Laye Sekou Camara warned that financial constraints and contract disputes could delay key projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG interconnection unless member states clear arrears and fund 2026 budgets. Africa Day Mobility: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 2027, joining other countries easing visa rules to boost continental integration. Maritime Security: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped up after a three-week multinational naval drill focused on stopping piracy, illegal fishing and trafficking across the Gulf of Guinea, with Guinea-Bissau among participants.

Energy & Infrastructure: Kenya is reportedly in early talks to contract Turkey’s Karpowership, using floating “plug-and-play” power ships to ease worsening electricity shortages as demand climbs and grid pressure grows. Regional Governance & Integration: Guinea’s OMVG chair Laye Sekou Camara warned that cash-flow problems and contract disputes could delay key energy projects like Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG Interconnection unless member states clear dues and fund 2026 budgets. Africa Day Mobility: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 2027, joining a wider push across the region to speed up movement and trade. Maritime Security: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped after a three-week Gulf of Guinea exercise with Guinea-Bissau among participants, targeting piracy, illegal fishing and trafficking. Sports (Bissau-linked): Nigeria’s Super Eagles face a tough AFCON 2027 Group L that includes Guinea-Bissau, with coach Eric Chelle urging focus and warning against underestimating any opponent. Politics & Democracy: A Bissau-Guinean Catholic priest warned of “facade democracy” and growing neocolonial dependence, urging stronger sovereignty and industrialization.

OMVG Energy Crisis: Guinea’s energy minister and new OMVG chair Laye Sekou Camara warned that cash-flow problems and contract disputes are putting major projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG interconnection at risk, urging member states to clear arrears, fund 2026 budgets, and push legal and governance reforms. Unity Cup Football: Debutant Femi Azeez scored twice as Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in London, booking Saturday’s final against Jamaica or India. AFCON 2027 Focus: Nigeria’s Eric Chelle says Group L is no “easy draw” after the Super Eagles were placed with Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, stressing full focus for every match. Regional Mobility Push: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 2027, joining other African countries easing travel rules. Maritime Security: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped up after a three-week readiness exercise aimed at tackling piracy, illegal fishing and trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea.