AGP Executive Report

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, with crisis-level hunger expected for nearly 130,000 people and school meals reduced from 283,400 to about 152,000. Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF approved new Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund projects, including support for Guinea-Bissau, with over $67m in new funding and nearly $218m in co-financing to tackle flood/coastal risks, food and water security, and disaster preparedness. Energy Watch (OMVG): Guinea’s energy leadership says financial constraints and contractual tensions could delay OMVG flagship projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG interconnection, urging member states to clear contributions and secure 2026 budgets. Migration Update: Mauritanian coast guard operations rescued/intercepted 181 Gambians among 911 migrants over five days, including passengers from Guinea-Bissau, highlighting ongoing risks along the Atlantic route. US Deportation List: The US DHS confirmed 110 Nigerians will be deported as part of a wider crackdown returning 355 West Africans, with the list also including one person from Guinea-Bissau.

Climate Finance for Guinea-Bissau: The GEF’s LDCF/SCCF Council approved a new resilience package for vulnerable countries, including Guinea-Bissau, with over $67 million in fresh funding and nearly $218 million in co-financing. Projects aim to cut flood and coastal risks, boost food and water security, strengthen disaster preparedness, protect ecosystems, and expand resilient livelihoods. Food Crisis Watch: The World Food Programme warns hunger is worsening in Guinea-Bissau as funding shortfalls force cuts during the June–August lean season, with school meals reduced from 283,400 to about 152,000 and specialized nutrition for under-twos suspended. Rice Pressure in West Africa: The AfDB urges West Africa to move from plans to action on rice, warning a $3.5bn annual import bill drains foreign reserves, while early funding includes support for Guinea-Bissau under a regional resilient rice programme. Deportation List Includes Guinea-Bissau: The US released names and photos of 355 people to be deported from West Africa; the list includes 1 person from Guinea-Bissau.

Food Security Crisis: WFP warns Guinea-Bissau’s June–August lean season is set to worsen hunger and malnutrition as funding shortfalls force cuts, including reducing school meals from 283,400 to about 152,000 children and suspending specialized nutrition for under-twos. Climate Resilience Funding: The GEF approved over USD 67 million for countries including Guinea-Bissau to strengthen resilience, with projects aimed at flood and coastal risk, plus food and water security. Electricity Access: A World Bank-backed regional power programme says electricity access has expanded to more than three million people across West Africa, supported by thousands of kilometres of transmission lines and cross-border trading. Environment & Research: A new field report from Boé National Park highlights rare “accumulative stone throwing” by wild western chimpanzees, suggesting potentially cultural behaviour tied to repeated visits to specific trees. Regional Mobility: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 2027, adding to wider moves across the continent to ease travel and trade. Sports (Bissau link): Guinea-Bissau is listed among the nationalities used by Premier League clubs this season, including Everton’s squad mix.

Food Security Crisis: The UN World Food Programme warns Guinea-Bissau is sliding deeper into hunger and malnutrition as funding shortfalls force cuts during the June–August lean season, with about 130,000 people expected to face crisis levels and school meals reduced from 283,400 to around 152,000, leaving more than 130,000 children without daily support; WFP also suspended specialized nutrition for under-twos, affecting roughly 56,000 children. Regional Democracy Pressure: A wider West Africa-focused report highlights how coups and crises are reshaping African democracy, pointing to military takeovers across the region, including Guinea-Bissau’s 2025 coup. Energy Access Push: A World Bank-backed power programme says it has expanded electricity access to over three million people across West Africa by building more than 4,000 km of transmission lines linking 15 countries. Church Guidance in Guinea-Bissau: A Catholic message to newly ordained priests and deacons urges them to serve closely with the faithful, avoid living only online, and prioritize the poor and the sick. Sports (Nigeria, with Guinea-Bissau link): Nigeria’s Super Eagles continue preparations for 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with Guinea-Bissau listed in their Group L, while coach Eric Chelle stresses focus against every opponent.

Food Security Crisis: WFP warns Guinea-Bissau’s hunger and malnutrition are worsening as funding shortfalls force cuts during the June–August lean season, including a drop in school meals from 283,400 to about 152,000 children and a suspension of specialized nutrition for under-twos. Regional Democracy Shockwaves: A new report highlights how coups and crises are reshaping African democracy, pointing to military takeovers across West Africa and beyond, including Guinea-Bissau’s 2025 coup. Energy Access Push: The World Bank says its West Africa power programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people, building 4,000+ km of transmission lines across 15 countries to boost cross-border trade. Church & Youth Ministry: A Guinea-Bissau Catholic bishop urged newly ordained priests and deacons to serve the poor, avoid living “on the internet,” and stay close to the faithful. Maritime Security: Obangame Express OE26, a major Gulf of Guinea exercise, included Guinea-Bissau and focused on fighting piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking. Sports (Regional Focus): Nigeria’s Super Eagles keep preparing for AFCON 2027 with Guinea-Bissau in Group L, while coach Eric Chelle warns against underestimating any opponent.

Football & National Pride: Nigeria’s Super Eagles kept their Unity Cup momentum with a 3-0 win over Jamaica, with Alhassan Yusuf scoring twice and Terem Moffi adding one, while coach Eric Chelle used the run-up to stress rebuilding ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers that include Guinea-Bissau in Group L. Team News: Chelle also explained why Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will miss upcoming friendlies versus Portugal and Poland, citing visa and club-related issues. Energy & Regional Development: A 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 trade. Governance & Democracy: A Catholic priest in Guinea-Bissau warned about “facade democracy” and the risk of instability when elections don’t deliver real political change. Human Rights: Djabu Balde, a Guinea-Bissau survivor of FGM, spoke out as global voices push against the practice. Maritime Security: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped up after a major Gulf of Guinea exercise that included Guinea-Bissau, targeting piracy and trafficking.

Energy & Regional Integration: The World Bank says its West Africa power programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people, building 4,000+ km of high-voltage lines linking 15 countries and boosting cross-border power trade. Press Freedom: A new global map from Reporters Without Borders shows press freedom at a 25-year low, with over half of countries now rated “difficult” or “very serious,” and the gap widening between Europe and much of the rest of the world. Human Rights & Health: Guinea-Bissau-born Djabu Balde speaks out on female genital mutilation, sharing her autobiography journey from childhood trauma to rebuilding her voice. Sports (Regional Focus): Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Jamaica 3-0 to retain the Unity Cup, while earlier they overcame Zimbabwe 2-0 with a brace from Femi Azeez; coach Eric Chelle also warned against underestimating opponents, including Guinea-Bissau, in AFCON 2027 qualifying. Maritime Security: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped up after a three-week Gulf of Guinea exercise involving Guinea-Bissau and others to tackle piracy, illegal fishing and trafficking.

ECOWAS Oversight in Bissau: An ECOWAS inspection team visited the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB), with the acting head of the Peace Support Operations Division, Dr Sani Adamu, leading an operational readiness check at GHANCOY 4 in Guinea-Bissau on 20 May. Regional Energy Pressure: OMVG’s new chairman, Laye Sekou Camara, warned that cash-flow problems and contractual disputes could delay key projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG Interconnection, urging member states to clear dues and fund 2026 operations. Maritime Security: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped up after a three-week multinational drill in Cameroon, with Guinea-Bissau among participating countries, targeting piracy, illegal fishing and trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea. Football—AFCON Focus: Nigeria’s Eric Chelle urged his Super Eagles not to underestimate opponents in AFCON 2027 qualifiers, naming Guinea-Bissau as a team that can’t be treated as “small.” Africa Day Diplomacy: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 2027, joining a growing list of regional mobility reforms.

ECOWAS Mission Check: An ECOWAS operational readiness inspection team visited the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB), led by Dr Sani Adamu, to assess preparedness and support peacekeeping work. OMVG Energy Pressure: Guinea’s energy minister and OMVG chair Laye Sekou Camara warned that cash-flow problems and contract disputes are putting key projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG Interconnection at risk, urging member states to clear dues and fund 2026 budgets. Unity Cup Football: Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the Unity Cup semi-final, setting up a final against Jamaica or India, with debutant Femi Azeez scoring twice. AFCON Qualifiers Focus: Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle said Guinea-Bissau and other opponents can’t be treated as “small teams” ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifying. Regional Security Drills: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped a three-week maritime exercise in Cameroon, with Guinea-Bissau among participating countries tackling piracy and trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea. Visa-Free Push: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 2027, adding momentum to wider regional mobility reforms.

Sports & Identity: A new Premier League nationality breakdown puts Everton at the bottom for diversity, but highlights Guinea-Bissau among the nine nationalities used by David Moyes’ side this season. Regional Security: South African border authorities seized about 713kg of methaqualone at Beitbridge, arresting three suspects after an eight-hour search. Football (Africa focus): Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the Unity Cup semi-final, with debutant Femi Azeez scoring twice, setting up a final against Jamaica or India. Guinea-Bissau in the spotlight: Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying group includes Guinea-Bissau, and coach Eric Chelle warns there are no “small teams” in Africa. Maritime Cooperation: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped up after a three-week Gulf of Guinea readiness exercise that included Guinea-Bissau among 30+ participating countries. Governance & Integration: ECOWAS inspection activity in Guinea-Bissau continues under the ESSMGB mission readiness push.

Drug Control: South African border authorities intercepted one of the biggest methaqualone hauls in recent memory at Beitbridge, seizing about 713kg of the precursor chemical and arresting three suspects after an eight-hour search. Regional Security: The ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau gets an operational readiness inspection, with ECOWAS officials visiting the Ghana company at the Presidency in Bissau. Football (AFCON 2027): Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is warning against complacency after the team was drawn with Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, stressing every match can be tricky. Sports (Unity Cup): Azeez scored twice as Nigeria beat Zimbabwe 2-0 to reach the Unity Cup final, setting up a showdown against Jamaica or India. Governance & Rights: The CPJ welcomed Senegal’s presidential pardon of journalist René Capain Bassène, released after more than eight years in detention. Energy (OMVG): Guinea’s OMVG chair Laye Sekou Camara warned that cash-flow problems and contract tensions could delay major energy projects like Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG interconnection.

Media & Justice: CPJ welcomed Senegal’s presidential pardon of journalist René Capain Bassène, released after more than eight years in detention over the 2018 Casamance killings of illegal loggers. Regional Security: An ECOWAS inspection team visited the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB), while ECOWAS officials pushed stronger cross-border cooperation to tackle terrorism and transnational crime. Energy & Infrastructure: OMVG’s chairman, Guinea’s Laye Sekou Camara, warned that cash-flow problems and contractual tensions could delay key projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG Interconnection, urging member states to clear dues and fund 2026 budgets. Sports (Bissau-linked): Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying group includes Guinea-Bissau; coaches and analysts urged focus, warning there are no “small teams” in Africa. Maritime Readiness: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped up after a three-week Gulf of Guinea exercise that included Guinea-Bissau among participating countries.

ECOWAS Security in Guinea-Bissau: An ECOWAS inspection team visited the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB), with the acting head of the Peace Support Operations Division leading an operational readiness check at GHANCOY 4 in Bissau. Unity Cup Football: Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the Unity Cup semi-final in London, with debutant Femi Azeez scoring twice to set up a final against Jamaica or India. AFCON 2027 Focus: Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle and officials insist Group L is not “easy,” warning Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau can all cause problems as qualifiers run across FIFA windows in 2026-27. Africa Day Politics: A Catholic priest in Bissau warned of “facade democracy” and rising neocolonial influence, while leaders across Africa marked Africa Day with fresh moves on integration, including Congo’s planned visa-free entry for all Africans from January 2027. Maritime Security: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped up after a three-week Gulf of Guinea exercise that included Guinea-Bissau, aiming to curb piracy, illegal fishing and trafficking.

ECOWAS Stabilisation in Guinea-Bissau: An ECOWAS inspection team visited the ESSMGB area, with the acting head of the Peace Support Operations Division, Dr Sani Adamu, leading an operational readiness check at GHANCOY 4 in Bissau, as ECOWAS reviews how the mission supports stability. Regional Security Push: Nigeria’s National Boundary Commission urged stronger ECOWAS cross-border cooperation to tackle terrorism and transnational crime, highlighting the need for joint security and better coordination across border communities. AFCON 2027 Group L Focus (includes Guinea-Bissau): Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers draw put them in Group L with Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, and Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle warned against complacency, stressing every opponent can cause problems. Maritime Readiness in the Gulf of Guinea: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped up after a three-week multinational exercise in Cameroon, with Guinea-Bissau among participating countries working to improve readiness against sea crimes. Africa Day Diplomacy: Azerbaijan said visits by African leaders—including Guinea-Bissau’s—have risen, as Baku frames its ties with Africa around development and capacity building.

OMVG Energy Warning: Guinea’s Energy Minister and new OMVG chair Laye Sekou Camara warned that cash shortages and contract disputes are putting key projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG interconnection at risk, urging member states to clear arrears, fund operations, and push governance reforms. Unity Cup Football: Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in London as debutant Femi Azeez scored twice, setting up Saturday’s final against Jamaica or India. Regional Security Push: ECOWAS inspection and readiness activity continues in Guinea-Bissau, while Nigeria and ECOWAS back stronger cross-border cooperation to tackle terrorism and transnational crime. Visa-Free Momentum: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 2027, adding pressure for wider regional travel reforms. Sports Focus on Guinea-Bissau: Guinea-Bissau is named in Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 Group L, with coaches stressing no “small teams” ahead of qualifiers.

Azerbaijan–Africa Partnerships: Azerbaijan is pitching a “South-South” model for Africa Day in Baku—less extractive, more about capacity-building, knowledge transfer, and long-term institutional ties, with officials pointing to rising African leader visits. Bio-colonialism Debate: A new argument is gaining traction that health research and data deals are increasingly targeting African populations, with critics challenging claims that “anonymised” DNA can’t be traced back. Maritime Security Watch: Obangame Express (OE26) wrapped up after a three-week Gulf of Guinea readiness push involving Guinea-Bissau and dozens of countries, aimed at sea crime response and coordination. Starlink Licensing Tensions: Uganda’s Starlink rollout is under scrutiny over taxation and security, as regulators push for a local ground-station presence and lawful routing. ECOWAS Border Focus (Guinea-Bissau): ECOWAS inspection activity in Guinea-Bissau highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen cross-border cooperation against terrorism and transnational crime. Football (Nigeria/AFCON 2027): Nigeria’s Super Eagles are warned not to underestimate Group L rivals—Tanzania, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau—after the qualifiers draw.