AGP Executive Report

Maritime Rescue in Oman: India’s Embassy in Muscat says the Indian-flagged vessel “Virat 1” sank after an engine failure; all 14 crew were rescued and transferred to MV Jabal Ali 9 heading to Mumbai. Gulf Shipping Row: India escalated protests after US strikes on merchant ships off Oman killed three Indian mariners; External Affairs Minister Jaishankar spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling “lethal actions” against civilian shipping unjustified, while Washington says blockade violations won’t be tolerated and vessels must follow US orders. Diplomatic Fallout: US-Iran blame games intensified as Iran rejected Trump’s claims and India continued summoning US diplomats. Regional Tech Win: Nigeria won the $10,000 grand prize at ECOWAS’s 4th Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon in Accra, with teams tackling ransomware, phishing, fraud and threats to critical infrastructure. Bissau-Relevant Note: The hackathon included Guinea-Bissau teams, highlighting growing regional cybersecurity capacity.

Maritime Security Row: India escalated its protest over US Navy strikes in the Gulf of Oman that killed three Indian mariners, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar calling US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and saying “lethal actions” against civilian shipping are “not justified.” Diplomatic Pressure: The US response, via a State Department readout, stressed that commercial vessels must comply with US orders and that violations of the blockade and “illicit transport” of Iranian oil “will not be tolerated,” while India also summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks again. Public Backlash: US remarks drew criticism from Indian opposition figures and an American analyst, who said Rubio’s tone risked inflaming anti-US sentiment. Misinformation Watch: The Indian MEA quickly dismissed fresh claims about an attack on the Indian-crewed tanker MT Liaki Freedom, saying the crew was safe after direct contact with the ship’s master. Local Relevance: Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessels were among those mentioned in the wider Gulf incidents, keeping the crisis in the region’s spotlight.

Gulf Tensions, India-US Row: India’s foreign minister S. Jaishankar called US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to lodge a strong protest over US Navy strikes on three largely Indian-crewed merchant vessels off Oman that killed three Indian mariners, saying lethal force against commercial shipping is “not justified.” Diplomatic Escalation: New Delhi also summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks again in New Delhi for the second time in two days, after earlier protests over the June 8 MT Marivex and June 10 MT Settebello incidents, and after a June 11 strike on the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer where 20 Indian crew were rescued. Misinformation Watch: The MEA swiftly dismissed fresh online claims that the Indian-crewed tanker MT Liaki Freedom was attacked, saying the master confirmed all crew were safe and labeling the reports “fake.” Political Pressure: Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Modi over the deaths, accusing him of silence. Iran Denies Blame: Iran’s embassy in India rejected Trump’s claim that Iran carried out a drone attack on Indian ships near Hormuz as “baseless,” while Trump continued to trade blame between Tehran and Washington.

Maritime Safety Row: India escalated its protest against the US Navy after repeated strikes on commercial vessels off Oman killed three Indian seafarers, summoning US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks for a second time in two days and warning that “lethal and deadly force” against civilian shipping is unacceptable and must stop. Diplomatic Push: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reiterating India’s strong protest as the US Central Command said it disabled tankers linked to Iran’s oil trade. Misinformation Check: The MEA dismissed a fresh claim that the Indian-crewed tanker “Liaki Freedom” was attacked off Oman, saying the crew was safe and the report was fake. Regional Context: The incidents are unfolding amid wider US-Iran tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, with UN and international shipping concerns growing. Local Politics: Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi attacked PM Modi over the deaths, saying the government stayed silent while families demanded accountability. Guinea-Bissau Ties: Venezuela and Guinea-Bissau reviewed their bilateral cooperation agenda, including training, agriculture, fishing, education, culture, air transport and technical exchange. Trade & Industry: ECOWAS ministers in Accra backed a push to add value to West Africa’s minerals and boost industrialisation to power the AfCFTA.

Gulf Maritime Crisis: India has escalated its protest against the U.S. after three Indian seafarers were killed in strikes on merchant tankers off Oman, with New Delhi summoning U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time in two days and calling the attacks “unacceptable” and a threat to civilian shipping. Diplomatic Pressure: The MEA says the strikes came from the U.S. Navy and urges Washington to stop lethal force against commercial vessels, while India also keeps maritime agencies on high alert around the Strait of Hormuz. Political Fallout in India: Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for silence, saying a “compromised PM” cannot protect “sons of Mother India,” as the issue strains ties ahead of the G7. UN Condemnation: UN chief Antonio Guterres backed the IMO’s strong condemnation of the tanker attack that killed the three seafarers. Iran-U.S. Deal Uncertainty: As Trump claims a war-ending deal is near, Iran says nothing is finalized yet and disputes details reported by Iranian state media, including talk of compensation and nuclear enrichment talks. West Africa Business: In a separate regional push, the CEO of the West African regional stock exchange (BRVM) urged global investors to “come to Africa,” citing fast-growing economies across WAEMU, including Guinea-Bissau.

Middle East Ceasefire Watch: U.S. President Donald Trump says he has called off new strikes on Iran after “approved” high-level talks, but the U.S. naval blockade remains in force and Hormuz is still open for shipping. Maritime Safety Crisis: The U.S. disabled a third tanker off Oman this week—Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer—after firing Hellfire missiles into the engine room; 20 Indian crew were evacuated, while three Indian seafarers were confirmed dead after an earlier attack on MT Settebello. Diplomatic Fallout: India lodged strong protests and summoned the U.S. chargé d’affaires, demanding attacks on commercial vessels stop and urging “unimpeded, safe navigation” through the Strait of Hormuz. Regional Tech Spotlight: In Accra, ECOWAS ran a cybersecurity hackathon with a local firm (00SEC) designing the challenges, pushing homegrown capacity across member states. Sports Note: Portugal stays high in FIFA rankings ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with Guinea-Bissau listed among Portuguese-speaking teams.

Gulf of Oman Crisis: The U.S. Central Command says it disabled the Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker M/T Jalveer with two Hellfire missiles after the crew allegedly ignored orders, marking the third U.S. action against tankers this week tied to Iran’s blockade. Indian Crew Evacuated: Indian officials report 20 Indian crew members were evacuated ashore after the attack near Oman, while three Indian sailors were killed in an earlier strike on M/T Settebello. Diplomatic Fallout: India summoned the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires and lodged a formal protest, calling the repeated attacks “deeply worrisome” and urging an end to attacks on shipping. Trump Escalation: President Donald Trump renewed threats to hit Iran “VERY HARD TONIGHT” and to seize control of Kharg Island and Iran’s oil and gas sector, as Iran says the ceasefire is “meaningless.” Local Culture & Sport: In Bissau, CAVB Zone II beach volleyball championships saw Cape Verde and Senegal pairs dominate, with teams qualifying for the 2026 Africa Nations Beach Volleyball Championships.

Guinea-Bissau in the spotlight: A report says a tanker flying the Guinea-Bissau flag was hit in the Black Sea as Ukraine targets Russia’s “shadow fleet,” with damage to propulsion and steering. Regional security and migration: In Belfast, a Sudanese immigrant was accused after a stabbing and alleged beheading attempt sparked nights of arson and clashes with police, underscoring how quickly violence can spread. Cyber capacity in West Africa: Twelve countries are competing in an ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon in Accra, aiming to build practical defenses against ransomware and other cybercrime. Drugs and ports: Liberia seized cocaine worth about US$19.2m at Roberts International Airport, highlighting West Africa’s role in trafficking routes. Labour policy affecting the region: Kuwait tightened domestic worker recruitment, allowing only 10 approved source countries and banning 27 others, including several West African states. Humanitarian aid: Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid al-Adha campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries, including The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.

Drug Interdiction in West Africa: Liberia’s airport police seized 198 compressed plates of cocaine worth about US$19.2m, hidden in six cargo boxes and linked to flights bound for Europe, with officials warning traffickers that Liberia is not a transit or safe haven. Gulf Labour Rules: Kuwait has tightened domestic worker recruitment, allowing hiring from only 10 approved countries (including South Africa, India, Sri Lanka and others) while banning recruitment from 27 countries; the list includes several West African states such as Nigeria, Kenya, Guinea-Bissau and Gambia, with some limits applying by gender. Guinea-Bissau in the Spotlight: The Henley Passport Index update notes Guinea-Bissau as visa-on-arrival for South Africans, while a separate trade-focused report highlights training for customs officials across the region, including Guinea-Bissau, on rules of origin. Humanitarian Aid: Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid al-Adha campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries in Qatar and 13 countries across Asia and Africa, including The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. Sports (Regional): CAF sent a World Cup message to Egypt ahead of 2026, and Guinea-Bissau appears in recent football qualifying context.

Domestic Work Rules in Kuwait: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior says domestic worker recruitment is now allowed only from 10 approved countries (including India, South Africa, Senegal for men, and others) while banning hiring from 27 more, including Kenya, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and several others, with applications handled through governorate service centres. Migration Focus in Spain: Pope Leo’s visit to Spain’s Canary Islands puts the spotlight on how migrants are treated, after years of strain from irregular arrivals and criticism of harsh conditions at ports. Labour Rights Watch: The ITUC Global Rights Index adds Zimbabwe to its workers’ rights watch list and also flags Guinea-Bissau among countries where union and worker protections are under pressure. Energy & Trade Skills for West Africa: WCO’s EU-backed Rules of Origin Africa programme says customs officials from Guinea-Bissau and other countries are now trained to teach peers on origin rules for trade agreements. Guinea-Bissau in the Spotlight: The same ITUC listing and Kuwait’s ban list both name Guinea-Bissau, underlining how labour and migration policies are shaping regional realities.

Pope Visit and Migration: Pope Leo’s first trip to Spain’s Canary Islands puts the spotlight on migrant treatment, with local leaders urging an end to the Atlantic route and a more humane, comprehensive European response. Trade Rules of Origin: With WCO support, Customs officials from Nigeria, Comoros, Morocco, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe are training peers on preferential rules of origin under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme. Guinea-Bissau Politics: A Guinea-Bissau military court ordered opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira to remain under house arrest after further questioning over alleged coup plotting. Labour Rights Watch: The ITUC Global Rights Index placed Zimbabwe on a workers’ rights watch list, and also lists Guinea-Bissau among countries facing rising violations. Eid Aid Reaches Guinea-Bissau: Qatar Red Crescent Society’s Eid al-Adha campaign says it reached 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries, including Guinea-Bissau. Energy and Water Debate: In regional political commentary, Gambia’s opposition leader criticized electrification plans and urged better performance from NAWEC on electricity and water services. Business and Connectivity: AULP’s annual meeting in Macao will bring together Portuguese-speaking universities, including Guinea-Bissau-linked participation, to discuss academic partnerships and the Portuguese language as a bridge.

Opposition Under Pressure in Guinea-Bissau: A military court ordered PAIGC leader Domingos Simoes Pereira to remain under house arrest after further questioning over alleged coup plotting, with heavy security around the hearing. Labour Rights Watch: The ITUC Global Rights Index placed Zimbabwe on a workers’ rights watch list and also flagged Guinea-Bissau among countries where union protections are worsening, citing rising violations and harassment. Regional Energy Push: The World Bank says a West Africa power integration programme has expanded electricity access to over three million people, built more than 4,000 km of transmission lines, and is preparing a regional electricity market. Eid Relief Across the Region: Qatar Red Crescent Society reported reaching 247,344 beneficiaries in Qatar and 13 countries, including Guinea-Bissau, with its Eid al-Adha sacrifice campaign. Migration and Deportations: The US confirmed deportations under its West Africa Operations Watch, listing Guinea-Bissau among affected nationals, while Mauritanian coastguard operations rescued hundreds of migrants traveling via the Atlantic route.

Guinea-Bissau Politics: A Guinea-Bissau military court ordered opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira to remain under house arrest after further questioning over alleged coup plotting against the military government, with heavy security around his appearance and his lawyers saying he answered all judges’ questions and knew nothing of any attempt to subvert the constitutional order. Humanitarian Aid: Qatar Red Crescent Society says its Eid al-Adha “Make Their Eid” campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries in Qatar and 13 countries, including Guinea-Bissau, delivering sacrificial meat and support to needy, displaced and refugee families. Workers’ Rights Watch: The ITUC’s 2026 Global Rights Index places Zimbabwe on a “watch list” for worsening labour rights, while Guinea-Bissau is also named among countries flagged for increasing violations. Regional Development: The World Bank reports West Africa’s power programme has expanded electricity access to over three million people and built more than 4,000 km of transmission lines across 15 countries, including Guinea-Bissau, to boost cross-border power trade. Migration Pressure: The US confirms deportations under its West Africa Operations Watch, listing Guinea-Bissau among affected nationals, as part of a broader crackdown.

Guinea-Bissau Politics: A Guinea-Bissau military court ordered opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira to remain under house arrest after he was questioned again over alleged coup plotting, with heavy security around his court appearance; Pereira’s lawyers say he answered all questions and denies any attempt to subvert the constitutional order. Humanitarian Aid: Qatar Red Crescent Society’s Eid al-Adha Sacrifice Campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries in Qatar and 13 countries across Asia and Africa, including Guinea-Bissau, delivering sacrificial meat through local partners and Sharia-compliant slaughter and distribution. Regional Development: The World Bank says a West Africa power programme has expanded electricity access to over three million people, built more than 4,000 km of transmission lines linking 15 countries, and is preparing a regional electricity market to cut costs and improve reliability. Migration Watch: Mauritanian coast guard operations rescued or intercepted 181 Gambians among 911 migrants over five days along the Atlantic route, with rescues reported off Nouakchott and other areas. Sports (West Africa focus): Nigeria’s Super Eagles arrived in Portugal for a friendly against Portugal, with preparations also tied to upcoming AFCON qualifiers, while coach Eric Chelle said he is giving more young players chances.

Guinea-Bissau Politics: A Guinea-Bissau military court ordered opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira to remain under house arrest after further questioning over alleged coup plotting, with heavy security at the hearing. Humanitarian Aid: Qatar Red Crescent Society’s Eid al-Adha campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries in Qatar and 13 countries, including Guinea-Bissau, delivering meat and support to needy and displaced families. Public Health: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked for water quality and health protection. Migration Watch: The Mauritanian coast guard reported rescuing 181 Gambians among 911 migrants intercepted or rescued over five days off Mauritania’s Atlantic route. Energy & Development: The World Bank says a West Africa power integration programme has expanded electricity access to over three million people and built more than 4,000 km of transmission lines across 15 countries, including Guinea-Bissau. Local Health Workforce: Five Guinea-Bissau doctors returned from postgraduate training in Venezuela, now specialists ready to strengthen the country’s health system.

House Arrest in Guinea-Bissau: A military court ordered PAIGC leader Domingos Simões Pereira to remain under house arrest after further questioning over alleged coup plotting, with heavy security around his court appearance. Humanitarian Aid for Eid: Qatar Red Crescent Society says its Eid Al-Adha “Make Their Eid” campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries in Qatar and 13 countries, including Guinea-Bissau. Electricity Push Across West Africa: The World Bank reports its regional power programme expanded access to electricity for over 3 million people and built 4,000+ km of transmission lines linking 15 countries, boosting cross-border power trade. Migration at Sea: Mauritanian coast guard operations rescued 181 Gambians among 911 migrants over five days, with multiple incidents reported off Nouakchott and along the Atlantic route. US Deportations: US DHS confirmed deportation plans under “West Africa Operations Watch,” listing 355 people, including 110 Nigerians—the highest figure in the region. Super Eagles Camp Update: Nigeria’s squad arrived in Portugal for friendlies, with coach Eric Chelle continuing to give younger players chances ahead of the match against Portugal.