AGP Executive Report

Guinea-Bissau Constitutional Vote: Voters approved a new constitution that sharply expands presidential powers, including the ability to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and ministers and to dissolve parliament, while reducing seats from 102 to 65; the “Yes” camp won with about 70% and turnout reported above 50%, but the opposition boycotted and says the process undermines the return to democracy ahead of December elections. Cabo Verde Link in US Policy: A U.S. court lifted a suspension on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Cape Verde, ending a policy in effect since January 2026. Digital Identity Divide: The World Bank warns 2.8 billion people remain excluded from government-recognized digital ID systems, with new gender gaps and a gap between rollout and real daily use. Maritime Emergency Response: Oceanwide Expeditions described how it evacuated sick patients to Cape Verde and disembarked remaining guests and crew for screening after a hantavirus outbreak onboard an Antarctic cruise. Sports & Regional Interest: CAF set the schedule for AFCON 2027 qualifiers’ first rounds, while PSV officially announced Cape Verde midfielder Ayoni Santos.

Guinea-Bissau Constitutional Shift: Voters approved a new constitution that expands presidential powers, lets the president appoint and dismiss the prime minister and ministers, and allows parliament to be dissolved in a grave political crisis, while reducing seats from 102 to 65; the “Yes” camp won with about 70% and turnout reportedly above 50%, but the opposition says the process lacked safeguards and boycotted the vote ahead of December 6 elections. Cabo Verde in the Spotlight (Diaspora & Policy): A US court ruling lifted a suspension on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Cabo Verde, after a judge struck down the policy; the change affects how quickly applicants can move through immigrant visa processing. EU Diplomacy: Sofia Moreira de Sousa officially took up her post as the EU ambassador to Albania, after previously leading EU representation in Portugal and serving as EU ambassador to Cabo Verde. Regional Climate Politics: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese defended the Pacific pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu amid criticism over low confirmed attendance, while hosts outlined the first list of leaders and ministers expected to attend. Digital Inclusion Watch: The World Bank warns 2.8 billion people remain excluded from government-recognized digital ID systems, with new gender gaps reappearing in digital ID ownership and usage.

Guinea-Bissau Constitutional Shift: Voters approved a new constitution that expands presidential powers, letting the president appoint and dismiss the prime minister and ministers and dissolve parliament, while cutting seats from 102 to 65; the opposition boycotted the vote and says the process lacks safeguards ahead of December elections. US Immigration Enforcement: A federal judge struck down the Trump-era suspension of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Cape Verde, and the US has resumed immigrant visa processing; separately, the US published an updated West Africa deportation list naming 427 people with photos and charges, including Cape Verdeans. Cabo Verde in the Spotlight: A Cape Verde post about Lionel Messi’s retirement went viral after the 2026 World Cup run that included a Round of 32 clash with Argentina. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese defended a pre-COP31 leaders’ meeting in Fiji and Tuvalu after criticism over low turnout, with Cabo Verde named among confirmed leader attendees. Sports & Local Interest: PSV officially announced Cape Verde midfielder Ayoni Santos, and Cabo Verde’s World Cup campaign continues to draw attention in sports coverage.

Guinea-Bissau Constitutional Shift: Voters approved a new constitution that boosts presidential powers, letting the president appoint and dismiss the prime minister and ministers, dissolve parliament, and reducing National Assembly seats from 102 to 65; turnout was reported above 50–55%, while the opposition boycotted the vote and says the process lacks safeguards ahead of December elections. EU Diplomacy: Sofia Moreira de Sousa officially took up her post as the EU ambassador to Albania, after previously leading the EU’s representation in Portugal and serving as head of the EU delegation to Cabo Verde. US Immigration Enforcement: The US published an updated deportation list naming 427 people from West Africa, including 26 Cape Verdeans, with charges and photos, as deportation proceedings intensify for those with criminal convictions or pending cases. Pacific Climate Politics (Australia-led): Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese defended a pre-COP31 leaders event in Fiji and Tuvalu after criticism over low confirmed attendance, while Fiji’s foreign minister said leaders from Cabo Verde and other countries have agreed to attend. Cabo Verde in Sports: PSV officially announced Cape Verde international Ayoni Santos, signing him until mid-2031.

Guinea-Bissau Constitutional Referendum: Voters approved a new charter that expands presidential powers, including the ability to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, create or abolish ministries, and dissolve parliament in major crises; provisional results cited about 70% “Yes” with turnout above 55%, while the main opposition boycotted, warning the changes could weaken the democratic transition ahead of December elections. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: In Palau, Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese defended the pre-COP31 process in Fiji and Tuvalu after criticism over low confirmed attendance; Fiji’s foreign minister said leaders from Antigua and Barbuda, Cabo Verde, Thailand, Maldives and Timor-Leste will attend, with Germany, Mexico and South Korea sending ministers, as the UN warns the 1.5°C target is likely to be missed. US Immigration Enforcement: The US published an updated West Africa deportation list naming 427 people, including 15 Gambians and 26 Cape Verdeans, with alleged criminal charges; the move signals tougher action against people with convictions or pending cases, even as some categories remain protected. Cabo Verde in Sports Spotlight: PSV officially announced Cape Verde international Ayoni Santos, a 21-year-old attacking midfielder, signing until mid-2031 and taking squad number 35.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Fiji and Tuvalu are lining up for pre-COP31 talks in October, with a trilateral meeting in Palau where Australia’s Albanese, Tuvalu’s Feleti Teo and Fiji’s Sakiasi Ditoka pushed Pacific climate priorities and urged leaders to see the impacts firsthand. International Attendance: Fiji says only five non-Pacific leaders have confirmed so far—Antigua and Barbuda, Cabo Verde, Thailand, Maldives and Timor-Leste—while Germany, Mexico and South Korea will attend at minister level, despite criticism over turnout and cost. Cabo Verde in the Spotlight: Cabo Verde’s confirmed presence at the pre-COP leaders’ event puts the country in the climate diplomacy mix as the Pacific frames the agenda around adaptation and extreme weather risks. Regional Politics Watch: Guinea-Bissau holds a referendum on a new constitution that would expand presidential powers and cut parliament ahead of December elections, with opposition calling for a boycott over legitimacy and power concentration.

Guinea-Bissau Constitutional Referendum: Voters in Guinea-Bissau head to the polls on Sunday on a new constitution that would expand presidential powers and cut parliament ahead of December elections, with the military-backed “yes” camp campaigning while the opposition PAIGC calls for a boycott, arguing the process lacks legitimacy and would concentrate power. Cabo Verde in the Spotlight via Sports: The 2026 World Cup recap notes Cape Verde’s debut among new entrants, with the tournament’s expanded format bringing more nations into the competition. US Immigration Policy Shift: The US ended a January pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Cabo Verde, following a court order, with the change effective August 21. Regional Tech & Education: Google is offering a free one-year AI subscription to students across 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, expanding access to Gemini tools and cloud storage. Maritime Cooperation: The IMO and Ghana Maritime Authority launched a regional training push to strengthen seafarer certification standards across West Africa.

Guinea-Bissau Constitutional Referendum: Guinea-Bissau voted Sunday on a new constitution that would boost presidential powers and cut parliament ahead of December elections, with turnout reportedly low after opposition parties urged a boycott, arguing the draft—pushed by the military-backed transitional authorities—would concentrate power and weaken the prime minister and political parties. Maritime Cooperation: The International Maritime Organisation and Ghana Maritime Authority launched a regional training push in Accra to tighten seafarer certification and safety standards across West Africa, aiming to improve assessor competence ahead of an IMO audit in 2027. Cape Verde in International Sports Media: DAZN secured LaLiga broadcast rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (2026/27–2028/29), including Cape Verde, bringing live and on-demand Spanish top-flight matches to fans. Tech for Students: Google expanded its free Google AI Plus offer to students in 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, with access to Gemini tools and cloud storage for one year. Justice in Cabo Verde: The family of Odair Moniz, a Cape Verdean killed by a PSP police officer, has appealed a suspended jail term and is seeking greater compensation.

US Immigration Update: A US court struck down a policy that had suspended immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Cape Verde, after generalized “public charge” concerns—while September 2026 brings new rules like fixed admission dates for F-1/J-1/I students and new public-charge inadmissibility rules. Regional Politics: Guinea-Bissau votes in a referendum on a new constitution that would expand presidential powers and cut parliamentary representation ahead of December elections; opposition and civil society are urging a boycott, warning the process lacks democratic legitimacy. Cabo Verde in the Spotlight: DAZN secured LaLiga broadcasting rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for 2026/27–2028/29, explicitly including Cape Verde among the 48 markets. Justice & Public Safety: The family of Cape Verdean citizen Odair Moniz, killed by PSP police officer Bruno Pinto, has appealed a suspended 3.5-year jail term and is seeking greater compensation. International Mobility: The US also released an updated deportation list naming 427 people from West Africa, including 26 from Cape Verde, with names and photos.

Guinea-Bissau Constitutional Referendum: Guinea-Bissau voted Sunday on a new constitution that would expand presidential powers and cut parliamentary representation ahead of December elections, after a November coup and amid low turnout. The military-backed National Transitional Council says the changes will clarify authority and reduce conflict between president and prime minister, including by letting the president appoint the prime minister and dissolve parliament; Opposition Boycott: the PAIGC and human-rights groups say the process lacks democratic legitimacy, with “no” campaigners reportedly barred and the vote seen as a way for coup leader Horta N’Tam to consolidate power. Cabo Verde in Regional Spotlight: In sports media, DAZN secured LaLiga broadcast rights across Sub-Saharan Africa through 2028/29, explicitly including Cabo Verde among the 48 markets. Cabo Verde-Linked Justice Update: The family of Cape Verdean Odair Moniz, killed by PSP police officer Bruno Pinto, has appealed a suspended jail term and is seeking higher compensation.

Constitutional Power Shift in Guinea-Bissau: Guinea-Bissau votes Sunday on a new constitution that would expand presidential powers and cut parliamentary seats ahead of December general elections, with the military-backed draft reducing the legislature and strengthening the president’s control over the prime minister and government; Democracy vs Boycott: opposition parties and civil society are urging a boycott, arguing the process is dominated by the coup leadership and could let the transitional president sidestep election rules; Cabo Verde in Regional Diplomacy: Cabo Verde’s foreign minister, Manuel Augusto Lima Amante da Rosa, met Angola’s counterpart in Luanda and flagged a new push for cooperation, including training in military aviation to better manage Cabo Verde’s maritime zone; Sports Rights for the Region: DAZN secured LaLiga broadcast rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (2026/27-2028/29), explicitly including Cabo Verde, Angola and Guinea-Bissau; Justice Appeal in Cabo Verde: the family of Odair Moniz, killed by PSP officer Bruno Pinto, has appealed a suspended jail term and is seeking stronger conviction and higher compensation.

AU Peace Push: In Luanda, African Union Commission chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged the continent to build its own capacity to secure peace and protect sovereignty, praising Cabo Verde’s and Angola’s regional engagement ahead of the AU’s 21st extraordinary summit. President Fonseca’s Diplomacy: Angola’s President João Lourenço met foreign leaders including Cabo Verde’s President José Maria das Neves, plus AUDA-NEPAD’s Nardos Bekele-Thomas and UN leadership candidates, as the AU summit prepares measures to strengthen conflict prevention and resolution. Cabo Verde–Angola Security Cooperation: Cabo Verde’s foreign minister Manuel Augusto Lima Amante da Rosa said the country wants to deepen ties with Angola, prioritising training for military aviation specialists to better monitor Cabo Verde’s vast maritime zone. Guinea-Bissau Constitutional Vote: Guinea-Bissau holds a referendum Sunday on a new constitution that would expand presidential powers ahead of December elections; the coup-backed process faces a boycott call from the PAIGC and civil society. Tech Access for Cabo Verde Students: Google expanded its free Google AI Plus offer to students in Cabo Verde and 26 other African countries, starting 25 August. Sports Rights in the Region: DAZN secured LaLiga broadcast rights across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Cabo Verde, for 2026/27–2028/29.

Guinea-Bissau Constitutional Referendum: Guinea-Bissau goes to the polls Sunday on a new constitution that would strengthen the presidency ahead of December elections, with the military-backed “yes” campaign operating while opposition and civil society call for a boycott, warning the process is not free and could tilt power further toward transitional president Horta N’Tam. Cabo Verde–Angola Diplomacy: In Luanda, Cabo Verde’s foreign minister Manuel da Rosa met Angola’s leadership to review bilateral cooperation, including a push to reinvigorate the defence and security agenda and prioritise training for military aviation specialists. Military Aviation Training: Angola signalled support for Cabo Verde’s needs in training pilots and maintenance technicians, citing the importance of controlling Cabo Verde’s vast maritime zone. Sports Rights for Cabo Verde Fans: DAZN secured LaLiga EA Sports broadcast rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (2026/27–2028/29), with Cape Verde included in the 48-market deal. Tech for Students in Cabo Verde: Google expanded its free Google AI Plus offer to students in 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, giving access to Gemini tools and cloud storage for one year. Justice Appeal in Cape Verdean Police Killing Case: The family of Odair Moniz, killed by PSP officer Bruno Pinto, has appealed a suspended jail term and is seeking higher compensation.

Guinea-Bissau Constitutional Referendum: Guinea-Bissau is set to vote Sunday (Aug. 30) on a new constitution after a military takeover nine months ago, with the draft shifting power toward the presidency—letting the president appoint/dismiss the prime minister and ministers, chair the Council of Ministers, and dissolve parliament under set conditions. Diplomacy & Security (Cabo Verde–Angola): In Luanda, Cabo Verde’s foreign minister Manuel da Rosa met Angola’s counterpart to review bilateral ties, including a push to renew cooperation and a focus on training officers and specialists in military aviation to better secure Cabo Verde’s maritime zone. Sports Governance (CAF): Sierra Leone’s NSA executive director Mohamed Alphaka Conteh received CAF match-commissioner roles, including an AFCON qualifier between Cape Verde and Rwanda on Sept. 29—another sign of growing regional sports administration links. US Court on Visas (Cape Verde included): A US federal court struck down a Department of State policy suspending immigrant visa issuance to nationals of 75 countries, including Cape Verde, after generalized public-charge concerns. Atlantic Weather Watch: A Cabo Verde-linked system (Invest 96L) has a high chance of developing into Tropical Storm Dolly, expected to be short-lived but bringing heavy rain risks to parts of the Caribbean.

Hurricane Watch: A new Atlantic system off the Cabo Verde area is showing signs of development and could become Tropical Storm Dolly within a day or two, with forecasters noting conditions may turn less favorable later—no immediate land threat reported. U.S. Immigration Policy: A New York federal court struck down a U.S. Department of State immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Cabo Verde, after a policy based on generalized “public charge” concerns. Angola–Cabo Verde Diplomacy: Cabo Verde’s foreign minister Manuel da Rosa met Angola’s counterpart in Luanda, reviewing bilateral cooperation and pushing a new phase focused on training, including military aviation specialists. Military Training Focus: Angola signaled support for Cabo Verde’s priorities in forming officers and expanding training for military aviation pilots and maintenance technicians, citing the need to better control Cabo Verde’s maritime zone. Sports Governance: CAF appointments highlighted regional football administration links, with Sierra Leonean officials named match commissioners for fixtures including Cape Verde vs Rwanda. Women & Work: Cabo Verde’s unpaid work economy is estimated at 9.6% of GDP, with women doing most unpaid care and domestic labor, according to ICIEG and UN partners.

US Immigration Policy: A US federal court in New York struck down the Trump administration’s immigrant visa suspension affecting nationals of 75 countries, including Cabo Verde, saying the policy was unlawful and beyond statutory authority—an immediate win for Caribbean and African applicants who were facing nationality-based refusals. Cabo Verde–Angola Cooperation: In Luanda, Cabo Verde’s foreign minister Manuel da Rosa met Angola’s counterpart to review bilateral ties, including a push to renew defense and security cooperation and prioritize training for Cabo Verdean officers and specialists, with military aviation highlighted for future pilot and maintenance training. Cabo Verde Society & Work: A Cabo Verde gender equality report presented in Praia estimates unpaid work at 9.6% of GDP, with women far more likely to do unpaid care and domestic labor—prompting calls to strengthen national care policy and services. Sports Governance (Regional): CAF appointments spotlight Cape Verde in continental fixtures, with match commissioner roles tied to AFCON qualifiers involving Cabo Verde.