AGP Executive Report

Maritime Security Clash: India escalated protests over US strikes on merchant tankers off Oman that killed three Indian seafarers (MT Marivex, MT Settebello, MT Jalveer), with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar calling US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and saying “lethal actions” against commercial shipping are not justified. Diplomatic Pressure: India summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks again, while the US side insisted that violations of its Iran blockade “will not be tolerated” and that commercial vessels must comply with US orders. On-the-Ground Updates: Oman authorities rescued crews from disabled tankers, and India’s MEA also moved to debunk a separate rumor about MT Liaki Freedom being attacked, saying all crew were safe. Industry Angle: With the Strait of Hormuz key for global oil flows, the dispute is raising fresh concerns for shipping safety and compliance risks for civilian operators. Politics in the Background: The row is unfolding as Modi and Trump prepare to meet on June 17 at the G7, with trade talks on the agenda.

Maritime Safety & Trade: India escalated its protest over US Navy strikes off Oman that killed three Indian mariners, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar calling US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to say “lethal actions” against commercial shipping are not justified. Diplomatic Pressure: India also summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks again in New Delhi over the “continuing attacks” on merchant vessels carrying Indian crews, after earlier démarches this week. US Position: Washington says commercial ships must immediately comply with US orders in the Strait of Hormuz and that blockade violations “will not be tolerated.” Information Integrity: India’s MEA moved to debunk social media claims about another alleged attack on the Liaki Freedom, saying the vessel’s master confirmed all crew were safe. Regional Industry Context: The incidents underline how Gulf security risks can quickly disrupt shipping routes tied to global oil and gas flows. Guinea-Bissau Link: One struck tanker, MT Jalveer, was Guinea-Bissau-flagged, with 20 Indian crew members reported rescued.

Maritime Security Diplomacy: India escalated its protest over US Navy strikes off Oman that killed three Indian mariners, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar calling US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and reiterating that lethal actions against commercial shipping are “not justified.” 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 Palau-flagged MT Settebello and MT Marivex incidents and the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer attack where 20 Indian crew were rescued. Regional Industry & Trade: In West Africa, ECOWAS ministers in Accra backed a “mine together, process together” push to add value to mineral wealth, build factories and standards, and improve transport and storage—aimed at stronger industrialisation and trade under AfCFTA. Bilateral Cooperation: Venezuela and Guinea-Bissau reviewed their cooperation agenda, highlighting plans in vocational training, agriculture, fishing, education, culture, air transport and technical exchange.

West Africa Industrial Push: ECOWAS ministers in Accra backed a “mine together, process together” push to move minerals from raw exports to regional factories, with Guinea-Bissau named among member states. Maritime Security Shock: India escalated protests after US strikes hit three merchant tankers off Oman, killing three Indian seafarers; the MEA summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks again, demanding attacks on civilian shipping stop. Guinea-Bissau Shipping in the Spotlight: A Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker, MT Jalveer, was among the vessels targeted; reports say the crew was evacuated safely. Global Condemnation: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres backed IMO condemnation of the Settebello attack, calling it unacceptable and urging full investigation. Diplomacy vs. Tension: As Trump claimed an emerging US-Iran peace deal and called off strikes, Iran said nothing is finalized—keeping shipping risks high around Hormuz.

Maritime Security: India put its maritime agencies on the highest alert after three Indian seafarers were killed in a U.S. strike on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello off Oman, as the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz stay tense amid the U.S.-Iran standoff. Diplomatic Push: The Ministry of External Affairs lodged a strong protest with the U.S., demanding attacks on commercial shipping stop and calling for “unimpeded, safe navigation” under international law. New Incident, Guinea-Bissau Link: Hours later, the U.S. said it disabled the Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker MT Jalveer carrying 20 Indians; all were evacuated safely. Global Condemnation: The UN chief Antonio Guterres, via the IMO, condemned the Settebello attack, calling it unacceptable for endangering seafarers and international shipping. Policy Response: India said it will scale up seafarer repatriations if needed and is coordinating with Omani authorities and shipping partners around the region.

Maritime Security & Trade: The U.S. Central Command confirmed it disabled the Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker MT Jalveer in the Gulf of Oman, firing two Hellfire missiles into the engine room after the crew allegedly failed to comply with directions while attempting to transport Iranian oil; 20 Indian crew were reported safe and evacuation to Shinas port was underway with Omani support. Human Impact: The strike follows earlier attacks on MT Marivex and MT Settebello, where three Indian seafarers were killed after the Settebello incident. Diplomacy & Shipping Safety: India’s government lodged a strong protest with the U.S., with the Foreign Ministry urging unimpeded and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and calling for attacks on commercial shipping to stop. Energy & Regional Risk: As tensions rise, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to hit Iran “very hard” and to take control of key oil infrastructure including Kharg Island, while later said scheduled strikes were cancelled—leaving the blockade and shipping disruptions in focus.

Maritime Security & Trade Disruption: Russia used drones to hit foreign-flagged ships in the Black Sea, including a vessel flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau, while also striking energy infrastructure near Odesa—another reminder of how shipping routes and port operations can be hit fast. Anti-Drug Enforcement: Liberia seized US$19.2M worth of cocaine at Roberts International Airport, with the drugs concealed in cargo boxes and linked to onward flight operations to Europe—highlighting West Africa’s growing role in trafficking corridors. Labour Policy & Mobility: Kuwait tightened domestic-worker recruitment, banning sourcing from Guinea-Bissau and many other countries while restricting approved origins—an immediate pressure point for regional labour flows. Customs & Trade Facilitation: With WCO support, national rules-of-origin experts from Guinea-Bissau joined training-of-trainers workshops to help customs and businesses apply preferential trade rules more effectively. Energy & Regional Power: The World Bank says West Africa’s power programme expanded electricity access to over 3 million people and built 4,000+ km of transmission lines, boosting cross-border electricity trade—good news for regional industry and supply reliability. Humanitarian Logistics: Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid al-Adha campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries across 13 countries including Guinea-Bissau, with meat distribution supported by transport and local partners.

Cocaine Trafficking Crackdown: Liberia’s Drug Enforcement Agency seized 198 compressed plates of cocaine worth about US$19.2M at Roberts International Airport on June 8, hidden in six cargo boxes and reportedly linked to Europe-bound airline operations—another warning that Liberia is not a transit or safe haven. Offshore Energy Deal (Gambia): Eni signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement with The Gambia for offshore Block A1, reviving hopes for deepwater drilling after past licence exits and stalled exploration. Gulf Labour Restrictions: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry tightened domestic worker recruitment, banning sourcing from Kenya and 25 other countries (including Guinea-Bissau) and limiting hiring to a smaller approved list—reshaping the regional labour corridor. Trade Rules of Origin Training: With WCO support under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, customs officials from Guinea-Bissau and others completed training-of-trainers on preferential rules of origin to help firms use trade deals correctly. West Africa Power Push: The World Bank said its regional electricity programme has expanded access to over three million people, built 4,000+ km of transmission lines across 15 countries, and is preparing a regional electricity market. Rice Self-Sufficiency Drive: AfDB urged West Africa to move from rice plans to action, citing a US$3.5B annual import bill, and highlighted REWARD’s $680M push across ECOWAS, including projects in Guinea-Bissau.

Labour Mobility Shock: Kuwait has banned recruitment of domestic workers from Kenya and 25 other countries, including Guinea-Bissau, tightening hiring rules and limiting approved source countries to just 10. Trade Rules for Industry: With support from the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, Customs officials from Guinea-Bissau and other West African states have trained as “rules of origin” experts to help businesses use free trade agreements correctly. Energy for Growth: The World Bank says its West Africa power programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people, built 4,000+ km of transmission lines across 15 countries, and is preparing a regional electricity market to cut costs and improve reliability. Regional Power Integration: A separate report highlights the West African Power Pool’s progress, including more cross-border electricity trade and upgrades benefiting Guinea-Bissau and neighbours. Rice Import Pressure: The AfDB warns West Africa’s rice import bill (about $3.5bn a year) is draining foreign reserves, pushing a $680m regional plan to scale irrigation, seeds, processing and markets, with early funding already approved for Guinea-Bissau. Humanitarian Food Supply: Qatar Red Crescent Society’s Eid al-Adha campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries across 13 countries, including Guinea-Bissau, delivering sacrificial meat via local partners.

Rules of Origin Training: With EU-WCO support, Customs officials and economic operators from Nigeria, Comoros, Morocco, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and São Tomé & Príncipe have completed Training of Trainers workshops to build national pools of experts for compliant use of preferential trade agreements. Energy & Power Trade: The World Bank says its West Africa Regional Power Integration and Electricity Access Programme has expanded electricity access to over three million people, built 4,000+ km of transmission lines linking 15 countries, and is preparing a regional electricity market to cut costs and improve reliability. Oil Exploration in the Region: Eni signed a petroleum exploration, development and production licence with The Gambia for deepwater Block A1 (about 1,300 sq km), giving the country a fresh push to assess offshore hydrocarbon potential. Agribusiness & Food Security: The AfDB urged West Africa to move from rice plans to action, warning a $3.5bn annual import bill is draining foreign reserves, while backing the REWARD programme to strengthen resilient rice value chains. Startup & Tech Links: Guinea-Bissau is included among Portuguese-speaking countries in China’s 929 Challenge, now tied to AIE Expo 2026 with a new acceleration programme aimed at helping startups enter the Greater Bay Area market. Humanitarian Supply Chains: Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid al-Adha campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries including Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia, using local partners for timely meat distribution.

Labour Rights Watch: The ITUC Global Rights Index has placed Zimbabwe on a workers’ rights watch list and also flags Guinea-Bissau among countries where labour protections and trade union rights are deteriorating, citing rising violations and harassment. Energy & Power Integration: The World Bank says its West Africa Regional Power Integration and Electricity Access Programme has expanded electricity access to over three million people, built 4,000+ km of transmission lines across 15 countries, and is preparing a regional electricity market to cut costs and improve reliability. Rice Import Pressure: AfDB urges West Africa to move from rice plans to action, warning a $3.5bn annual import bill drains foreign reserves, while backing the $680m REWARD programme to strengthen irrigation, seeds, processing and markets across ECOWAS. Eid Aid Reaches Guinea-Bissau: Qatar Red Crescent Society’s Eid al-Adha campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries in Qatar and 13 countries including Guinea-Bissau, delivering sacrificial meat via local partners and Sharia-compliant distribution. Startup & Tech Linkages: The 929 Challenge is expanding into AIE Expo Macao with a new acceleration programme for startups targeting the Greater Bay Area, highlighting Guinea-Bissau’s inclusion among Portuguese-speaking countries in the initiative. Oil Exploration Deal (Region): Eni signed its first-ever Gambia offshore exploration deal for Block A1, a move that could reshape regional Atlantic hydrocarbon prospects.

Regional Integration Push: A Senegambia summit call is urging practical steps beyond speeches, including cheaper Banjul–Dakar airfares and a Senegambia Transit Facilitation Framework to ease movement of people and goods. Energy & Power Access: The World Bank says its West Africa power programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people, built 4,000+ km of transmission lines across 15 countries, and is preparing a regional electricity market. OMVG Electricity Links: Commentary on the OMVG project highlights that transmission and interconnection are already operational, while hydropower from the Sambangalou Dam is still pending—important for Guinea-Bissau’s grid integration. Agribusiness & Food Security: AfDB urges West Africa to move from rice plans to action, warning a $3.5bn annual import bill; it points to the REWARD programme with early funding for Guinea-Bissau and other states. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP warns Guinea-Bissau’s lean season is worsening hunger and malnutrition as funding shortfalls cut school meals and specialized nutrition for young children. Climate Resilience Funding: GEF council approvals will send $67m+ to Guinea-Bissau and other vulnerable countries to strengthen resilience, with co-financing nearly $218m. Startup & Tech Linkages: Guinea-Bissau is included in the 929 Challenge’s new acceleration programme tied to AIE Expo Macao, aiming to connect startups to the Greater Bay Area.

Startup & Trade Links: The 929 Challenge and 2nd 929 Summit will be held Dec 3-4 at Cotai Expo in Macao during AIE Expo 2026, adding a new acceleration programme to help startups enter the Greater Bay Area market, with direct access to 900+ exhibitors and 50,000 professional visitors across AI, robotics, digital health, mobility and consumer tech—an opening for Guinea-Bissau-linked entrepreneurs. Humanitarian Supply Chains: Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid al-Adha Sacrifice Campaign 1447 AH reached 247,344 beneficiaries in Qatar and 13 countries, including Guinea-Bissau, delivering sacrificial meat via local partners and Sharia-compliant slaughter and distribution. Energy & Regional Integration: The World Bank says its West Africa power programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people, built 4,000+ km of transmission lines across 15 countries, and is preparing a regional electricity market—Guinea-Bissau is named among beneficiaries. Food Security Pressure in Guinea-Bissau: WFP warns hunger and malnutrition are worsening as funding shortfalls force cuts during the June–August lean season, including reduced school meals (283,400 down to ~152,000) and suspension of specialized nutrition for under-2s (~56,000 children affected). Agribusiness & Rice Imports: AfDB urges West Africa to move from planning to action on rice, warning a $3.5bn annual import bill drains foreign reserves, while backing a $680m regional programme with early funding including projects in Guinea-Bissau. Climate Resilience Funding: GEF council approvals will send over $67m to vulnerable countries including Guinea-Bissau to strengthen resilience through flood/coastal risk reduction and food and water security projects, with major co-financing.

Humanitarian Relief: Qatar Red Crescent Society’s Eid al-Adha Sacrifice Campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries in Qatar and Guinea-Bissau plus 13 other countries, using local partners to deliver sacrificial meat on time and in line with Sharia requirements. Food Security Pressure: WFP warns Guinea-Bissau’s June–August lean season could push nearly 130,000 people into crisis hunger as funding shortfalls cut school meals (283,400 down to ~152,000) and suspend specialized nutrition for under-2s (~56,000 children affected), amid supply disruptions and rising costs. Power & Regional Trade: The World Bank says its West Africa power programme has expanded electricity access to over three million people, built 4,000+ km of transmission lines linking 15 countries, and is preparing a regional electricity market to improve reliability and reduce costs—relevant for Guinea-Bissau’s grid and cross-border supply. Agribusiness & Imports: AfDB urges West Africa to cut a $3.5bn rice import bill, backing a $680m regional plan (REWARD) to strengthen rice value chains, with early funding including projects in Guinea-Bissau.

Humanitarian Relief: Qatar Red Crescent Society’s 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 through coordinated field teams and local partners. Energy & Infrastructure: The World Bank says its West Africa Regional Power Integration and Electricity Access Programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people, built 4,000+ km of transmission lines linking 15 countries, improved utility finances, and is preparing a regional electricity market—key context for Guinea-Bissau’s power reliability and cross-border trade. Food Security: WFP warns Guinea-Bissau’s hunger and malnutrition risk is rising as funding shortfalls force cuts during the June–August lean season, including reduced school meals and suspension of specialized nutrition for under-2s. Agribusiness & Imports: AfDB urges West Africa to cut a $3.5bn rice import bill by moving from plans to action, backing resilient rice value chains with early funding that includes projects in Guinea-Bissau.

Food Security: WFP warns Guinea-Bissau is sliding deeper into hunger and malnutrition as funding shortfalls force cuts during the June–August lean season, with crisis-level hunger expected for nearly 130,000 people; school meals drop from 283,400 to about 152,000 and specialized nutrition for under-2s is suspended. Energy & Industry: The World Bank says its West Africa Regional Power Integration and Electricity Access Programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people, built more than 4,000 km of transmission lines linking 15 countries (including Guinea-Bissau), and is strengthening cross-border power trade to improve reliability and lower costs. Agribusiness & Trade: AfDB urges West Africa to act on rice, warning a $3.5bn annual import bill drains foreign reserves; it highlights the REWARD programme ($680m) with early funding approved for operations including projects in Guinea-Bissau. Climate Resilience Funding: GEF council approvals bring over $67m in new resilience funding for vulnerable countries, including Guinea-Bissau, to strengthen food and water security and protect ecosystems. Wildlife & Research: A field report from Boé National Park describes rare “accumulative stone throwing” by wild western chimpanzees in Guinea-Bissau, adding to understanding of animal communication and cultural behaviour.