Latest news in Guinea-Bissau? September 22nd, 2026
22-09-2026
In Guinea-Bissau, the political and public health landscapes are defined by several key developments:
Adoption of the New Constitution: Following the late August 2026 constitutional referendum organized by the transitional military authorities (led by General Horta Inta-A Na Man), official results confirmed that approximately 70% of voters approved the new constitution. The new charter substantially expands presidential authorityshifting the nation from a semi-presidential model to a full presidential system where the head of state appoints and dismisses the cabinet, can dissolve parliament during major political crises, and directly chairs the Council of Ministers. It also shrinks the National People’s Assembly from 102 seats to 65.
Wikipedia+ 2Preparations for General Elections: The political transition is now centered on preparations for nationwide presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 6, 2026, aimed at restoring constitutional civilian governance after the November 2025 coup.
WikipediaOpposition and Civil Society Pushback: Major opposition factions, notably the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) and allied civil society organizations, continue to criticize the transition process and the referendum. Critics argue that the new framework concentrates unchecked power in the executive and weakens legislative oversight ahead of the December vote.
The StarMpox Outbreak Response: On the public health front, the Ministry of Public Health, alongside the WHO and UNICEF, continues active surveillance and containment efforts following the country’s first confirmed mpox outbreak declared in July. Transmission monitoring remains focused primarily around the capital sector of Bissau and surrounding areas to control further community spread.
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