What are the latest news in Guinea-Bissau? August 31st, 2026

Constitutional Referendum on Presidential Powers On August 30, 2026, Guinea-Bissau held a nationwide constitutional referendum. The proposed constitution significantly expands the powers of the president and reduces the role of the prime minister. Organized under the military-led transitional government that took power following the November 2025 coup, the referendum is positioned as a key milestone ahead of planned general and presidential elections scheduled for December 2026.- Africa Center for Strategic Studies+ 2———Public Health & Mpox Outbreak Health authorities, supported by the WHO and UNICEF, are scaling up surveillance and contact tracing in response to an active mpox outbreak. By late August, the country reported 10 confirmed cases and nearly 60 suspected cases. Health organizations noted that children under 15 account for approximately half of all suspected cases, though transmission remains largely concentrated around Bissau without reported fatalities.- ReliefWeb+ 1———Humanitarian & Weather Relief In late August, humanitarian agencies and the Red Cross launched response operations following a severe windstorm and heavy rainfall that struck the village of Sintcham Bassirou (Paunka area), causing localized damage and displacement. Aid organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) also continue to address ongoing food security needs across the country amid tight funding environments. -ReliefWeb+ 1———