AGP Executive Report

National Mourning in Cabo Verde: Cabo Verde declared two days of mourning after a bus crash on Fogo Island killed at least 25 people, mostly children and teenagers, with the driver also among the dead; funerals began as coffins were carried in Sao Lourenco, and President José Maria Neves called it “a great catastrophe” while ordering an inquiry and urging psychological support. Government Response: Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho led a crisis response, sent a 16-member medical team to reinforce local care, and said the government is in contact with partners about possible evacuation for specialized treatment. Cause Under Investigation: Reports say the bus veered off a mountainous road near Chã das Caldeiras/Campanas de Cima and plunged about 30 metres into a ravine; authorities have not confirmed the cause, and rescue operations and victim identification continued. Regional Diplomacy: Nigeria and Cabo Verde held talks to deepen cooperation on trade, transportation, tourism and air links. US Immigration Update: The US State Department published DV-2026 Diversity Visa selectee figures, listing Cabo Verde among African countries with registered applicants.

National Mourning: Cabo Verde declared two days of mourning after a bus crash on Fogo Island killed at least 25 people, mostly children and teenagers, with coffins displayed at Mass and funerals as President José Maria Neves called it “a great catastrophe.” Crisis Response: Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho said a crisis team and a 16-member medical group were sent to reinforce care, while authorities said 14 others were injured and some remained in serious condition. Investigation & Accountability: Officials said the bus veered off the Campanas de Cima route and plunged about 30 metres into a ravine after an excursion from Chã das Caldeiras; education officials stressed the trip was privately arranged by the driver, who was among the dead, as the cause is still under investigation. International Condolences: Angola’s President João Lourenço sent condolences to Neves and Cabo Verde, pledging solidarity as the country marks the tragedy. Regional Diplomacy: Nigeria and Cabo Verde also held talks on boosting direct air links, migration, tourism and technical cooperation on the sidelines of the AU meeting in Luanda.

Tragedy in Fogo: Cape Verde President José Maria Neves attended the funeral of victims of Saturday’s bus crash on Fogo Island, where at least 25 people—mostly children and teenagers—were killed after the bus veered off the Campanas de Cima route and plunged about 30 metres into a ravine; several others were injured, with rescue and recovery efforts hampered by the rocky, hard-to-reach terrain. Government response: Neves called it “a great catastrophe,” while local authorities said the outing was privately arranged by the driver (not school-organised) and that the cause remains under investigation; seven bodies were buried early, with more planned as identification continued. Regional diplomacy: Nigeria and Cabo Verde discussed deepening cooperation on direct air links, migration, tourism, AfCFTA and transport frameworks after talks between their foreign ministers in Luanda. International spotlight: The U.S. released the DV-2026 “Green Card Lottery” country list, including Cabo Verde, as officials noted selectees must complete processing by Sept. 30, 2026.

UN Spotlight on Child Marriage: The UN General Assembly unanimously approved Nov. 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, with Cabo Verde among 66+ co-sponsors, urging public awareness and national strategies to end early marriage. Maritime Safety Push: Ghana’s Maritime Authority called for stronger seafarer assessment and certification standards, training assessors and examiners with participation from Cape Verde and other West African states. Cabo Verde–Nigeria Cooperation: Nigeria and Cabo Verde discussed boosting direct air links, migration, tourism, AfCFTA and technical cooperation after talks between their foreign ministers in Luanda. Debt and Ratings Watch: An Africa Sovereign Credit Rating Review says several African states, including Cabo Verde, saw rating upgrades in the first half of 2026 amid reforms and stabilization, while borrowing often went to budget support and debt management. Digital ID Divide: A World Bank report warns 2.8 billion people remain shut out of government-recognized digital ID systems, with new gender gaps emerging in digital ownership and use. Marina Owners Protest: Owners of detained vessels at Tyrell Bay Marina in Carriacou say a fence by Corion Estate has blocked access for months, leaving them unable to relaunch and calling for a practical solution.

UN Child Marriage Push: The UN General Assembly adopted an annual International Day to eliminate child, early and forced marriage on 27 November, with Cabo Verde among the co-sponsors and Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio praised for keeping the issue on the agenda. Maritime Standards: Ghana’s Maritime Authority called for stronger seafarer assessment and certification rules, with a regional training that includes Cabo Verde, aiming to boost safety and competency. Cabo Verde in Global Spotlight: A viral Cabo Verde social media post reacting to Lionel Messi’s retirement underlines the country’s football visibility after its World Cup run. Debt and Ratings Watch: A new Africa sovereign credit review says many African loans in early 2026 went to budget support and debt management, while Cabo Verde and others received foreign-currency rating upgrades. EU Diplomacy: Sofia Moreira de Sousa formally took up her EU ambassador role in Albania, after earlier EU work including as head of the EU delegation to Cabo Verde. Sports—Cafu on Equal Play: Former Brazil captain Cafu said India’s upcoming friendly in Kolkata will be a learning moment, and pointed to how smaller teams like Cape Verde competed “on equal terms” at the 2026 World Cup.

UN Child Marriage Day: The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution setting 27 November as the International Day to Eliminate Child, Early and Forced Marriage, with Cabo Verde among the co-sponsors. Sovereign Debt Watch: A new Africa Sovereign Credit Rating review says African states raised over $14bn in 2026’s first half, but much of it went to budgets, debt servicing and liability management rather than new investment; Cabo Verde, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa saw rating upgrades. Digital ID Gap: The World Bank warns 2.8bn people still lack government-recognized digital ID, with new gender gaps in digital ownership and big differences between rollout and everyday use. Guinea-Bissau Power Shift: Voters approved a new constitution expanding presidential powers and cutting parliament seats, ahead of December elections; opposition says safeguards were missing. US Deportation List: The US published an updated West Africa deportation list naming 427 people, including 26 from Cabo Verde. Cabo Verde in Sports Spotlight: Lionel Messi’s retirement post went viral in Cabo Verde after the team’s World Cup run, while Cabo Verde’s World Cup performances were also highlighted by Brazil’s Cafu. Regional Mobility Deal: Angola and Macau signed a mutual visa waiver agreement allowing visa-free entry for up to 30 days, effective 90 days after signing.

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.