AGP Executive Report

Gulf of Guinea Security: UNDP says insecurity along the coast is driven not just by guns, but by local socioeconomic fragilities, urging community-led conflict prevention across Togo, Benin, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso. Maritime & Fisheries: Nigeria is moving to use the EU-backed €59m West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme to fight illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea, warning it threatens food security and coastal livelihoods. Ocean Conservation: A new push for ocean protection is gaining momentum in Africa, with the Our Ocean Conference set to spotlight how marine areas can be effectively financed and managed with local leadership. Border Tech & Sovereignty: A Ghana-focused commentary argues that protecting borders and offshore resources now requires stronger, technology-driven monitoring to prevent disputes over resource zones. Regional Energy & Governance: The D-8 Secretary-General calls for stronger global cooperation on energy efficiency and sustainable resource management as climate and development pressures grow. Ebola Response: The UAE has imposed a travel ban on three African countries over Ebola fears, as regional health alarms continue. Guinea in the News: A Dominican pilot and crew were released after 157 days of detention in Guinea following a diplomatic effort.

Maritime Security & Blue Economy: Nigeria says it’s ready to use the €59m EU-backed West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) to fight illegal fishing and boost enforcement and ocean governance across the Gulf of Guinea, after talks with the EU ambassador in Abuja. Port Development: Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno pushed for faster delivery of the Ibom Deep Seaport project, reviewing a technical feasibility report in Paris and urging clear timelines and milestones with partners. Navy at 70: Nigeria marked the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary with awards for personnel, including seven fallen heroes, and renewed pledges to modernize and strengthen maritime security. Coastal Climate Pressure: A report warns that rising ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves in the Gulf of Guinea are damaging fish stocks and threatening food security for coastal communities. Security Update: Nigeria’s army says it freed 360 people abducted by Boko Haram in southern Borno, though two infants died during the rescue. Sports (Regional Interest): Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill says his side will be “badly behaved guests” as they face France in a World Cup warm-up in Lille.

Guinea Politics: Guinea’s ruling coalition led by President Mamady Doumbouya’s Generation for Modernity and Development (GMD) is projected to win at least 100 of 147 legislative seats, tightening Doumbouya’s grip as final results await possible court challenges; turnout was 52.87% for legislative polls and 58.51% for communal elections. Maritime Security & Blue Economy: Nigeria is pushing to curb illegal fishing by leveraging a €59m EU-backed West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP), seeking EU support for surveillance, monitoring and enforcement across the Gulf of Guinea. Ebola & Travel Curbs: The UAE has imposed a travel ban on new visas for citizens of DRC, Uganda and South Sudan amid Ebola fears, with limited exceptions for travelers who spent 21 days in a non-restricted third country. Ports & Trade Infrastructure: Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno is pressing for faster delivery of the Ibom Deep Sea Port project after a Paris feasibility review, demanding clear timelines and milestones to move from planning to execution. Border Health & Food Security: Sierra Leone received motorbikes and diagnostic equipment to strengthen border surveillance at key entry points, including Freetown Port, Lungi Airport and crossings with Guinea and Liberia.

Guinea Politics: Guinea’s coup-leader-turned-President Mamady Doumbouya tightens his grip after his GMD coalition and allies win at least 100 of 147 legislative seats in provisional results, with turnout at 52.87% for the vote and eight days for parties to challenge results. Maritime & Blue Economy: Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno pushes the Ibom Deep Sea Port forward after a Paris technical session, urging clear timelines and milestones to move from feasibility to execution. Regional Security: Defence officials in Nigeria reiterate plans to strengthen maritime security and the “blue economy,” emphasizing surveillance, intelligence, unmanned systems, cyber defence and regional cooperation. Ebola Watch: WHO and partners report Ebola risk remains low globally as case figures in the DRC are revised downward, while contact-tracing and travel precautions continue. Trade & Infrastructure: Ghana’s Takoradi Floating Dock project (Shiprite) secures $9.7m funding to boost ship repair capacity, supported by a UK-Ghana growth partnership. Food Security: Sierra Leone’s agriculture ministry receives motorbikes and diagnostic equipment to strengthen border surveillance at key entry points, including routes linked to Guinea.

Guinea Politics: Guinea’s coup-leader-turned-president Mamady Doumbouya’s coalition (GMD) is projected to win a legislative majority, with at least 100 of 147 seats in provisional results, as turnout was 52.87% for legislative polls and 58.51% for simultaneous local elections; opposition parties were largely barred and parties have eight days to challenge results. Ebola Watch: The DRC Ebola situation is being reassessed after confirmed cases were revised down to 344, while WHO and partners push contact tracing after a suspected travel-linked case reached Uganda via the UAE; WHO chief Tedros visited Ituri and urged continued vigilance. Maritime Security & Trade: West Africa is stepping up efforts against illegal fishing, with the Dakar Declaration driving stronger regional cooperation, surveillance, and community participation to curb IUU losses. Gulf of Guinea Stability: The UN launched a Gulf of Guinea Prevention Facility (2026-2029) in Lomé to coordinate action on governance, civilian protection, and local economic development as insecurity spreads from the Sahel.

Guinea Politics: Reuters reports that Mamady Doumbouya’s ruling coalition, GMD and allies, has won a majority in Guinea’s legislative elections, with at least 100 of 147 seats already claimed in provisional results, as turnout stood at 52.87% for legislative polls and 58.51% for communal elections; opposition parties were largely barred and dissolved, with parties given eight days to challenge results. Maritime Security: Nigeria’s Defence Minister Christopher Musa used the Navy’s 70th anniversary to reaffirm plans for a technology-driven, innovation-led force to protect maritime interests in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond. Ebola Update: WHO says Ebola risk remains low after revised figures in DR Congo (344 confirmed cases, 60 deaths), with follow-up checks and contact-tracing steps involving Uganda and the UAE. Maritime Trade & Law: A Swedish court ruled the seized Russian-linked ship Caffa can be handed to Ukraine over alleged stolen Ukrainian grain, though owners can still appeal. Health & Justice: Lawsuits in the US allege cruel conditions at Delaney Hall immigrant detention, including starvation claims and “psychological torture.”

Ebola Response Watch: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still expanding, with experts warning the real scale may be far worse than confirmed figures, while new vaccine efforts could blunt future outbreaks. Public Health & Accountability: WHO-linked reporting highlights how conflict and weak supplies slow containment, keeping the focus on faster testing, tracing, and support. Guinea’s Economy in Focus: Simandou iron ore exports are surging, and the ramp-up is already rattling global iron ore prices—raising questions for investors and for Guinea’s near-term trade impact. Energy & Regional Power: NAWEC debt claims are being reframed with figures pointing to smaller, but still significant, liabilities involving Senegal and Guinea’s power utility. Maritime Security & Trade: A Swedish court backed Ukraine’s case to seize the ship Caffa over alleged illegal grain exports from occupied Ukrainian territory, underscoring tougher enforcement on sanctions-busting. Governance & Guinea’s Role: Guinea was elected to the UN Economic and Social Council for a three-year term starting 2027. Sports (Guinea vs Northern Ireland): Northern Ireland beat Guinea 1-0 in Spain, with young players getting chances—plus a red card that made the finish tense.

Guinea in Global Diplomacy: Guinea was elected to the UN Economic and Social Council for a three-year term starting Jan. 1, 2027, joining other African states including Angola, Eritrea, Morocco and Senegal. Ebola Response Pressure: As Ebola continues in Central Africa, reports say the Trump administration is trying to shift blame for the response, while WHO and experts warn the outbreak is being hit by supply gaps and difficult conditions on the ground. Maritime Accountability: A Swedish court ordered the seizure of the cargo vessel “Caffa” tied to alleged illegal grain exports from occupied Ukraine, with prosecutors calling it a first major legal win through international cooperation. Guinea’s Simandou Momentum: Ship-tracking data says Simandou exports jumped to 2.2 million tonnes in May, up from 1.3 million in April, as ramp-up gains continue. Regional Trade Boost (Gulf of Guinea): A UK-Ghana deal backs a Takoradi floating dock and ship repair push, aiming to keep more maritime work in West Africa.

Simandou Ramp-Up: Guinea’s Simandou iron ore project hit a new export milestone, with Morebaya port shipments rising to about 2.2 million tonnes in May (up from 1.3 million in April), reviving global supply worries and rattling iron ore markets. Power Crisis Clarification: NAWEC pushed back on claims linking recent outages to debts owed to Senelec, saying the problem is maintenance, equipment rehabilitation, and regional supply constraints—not non-payment. Ebola Watch: Uganda and DR Congo remain in focus as Ebola response efforts expand, including India sending medical supplies to Uganda and DRC’s Lwiro primate center placing animals under confinement to limit spillover risks. Maritime Sanctions Case: A Swedish court seized the vessel Caffa after Ukraine’s request, alleging illegal export of Ukrainian goods from occupied territories using false registration linked to “Guinea False.” Sports (Guinea vs Northern Ireland): Northern Ireland beat Guinea 2-1 in a friendly, with a 10-man finish after a red card, while Guinea’s late pressure included a crossbar hit.

Simandou Update: Guinea’s Simandou iron ore project is ramping up fast, with May exports jumping to about 2.2 million tonnes (up from 1.3 million in April), rattling global iron ore markets and adding pressure on prices. Energy & Food Shock: S&P warns the Middle East conflict could hit African economies via fuel and fertilizer disruptions, with Guinea flagged among the countries most exposed. Elections Watch (Guinea): ECOWAS election observers are on the ground as Guinea counts votes after legislative and municipal polls, with scrutiny on turnout and the military-led transition. Aviation Investment: The AfDB unveiled a $7bn aviation transformation push to modernize airports and fleets across Africa, aiming to improve connectivity for trade and health supply chains. Sport (Guinea in focus): Guinea’s national team faces Northern Ireland in a friendly in Spain on Thursday, with the match also seen as a chance for Northern Ireland’s younger players to stake claims.

Guinea’s Simandou exports: Iron-ore shipments from Guinea’s Simandou project jumped in May, with Morebaya port output hitting about 2.2 million tons—six months after the first ore shipment to China—despite logistics bottlenecks, a worker death incident and a May strike. Regional health watch: Liberia says it has recorded no Ebola cases, but officials stress surveillance, rapid response teams and community engagement must stay strong as flare-ups continue across West Africa. Ebola risk in the region: Kenya’s courts and doctors rejected a proposed deal to house Ebola-exposed US returnees, as protests and concerns about government handling of the outbreak continue. Energy and food pressure: S&P warns the Middle East conflict and Hormuz disruption could hit African fuel and fertilizer supplies, raising food costs and worsening credit conditions—Guinea is listed among higher-risk countries. Sports (Guinea in focus): Northern Ireland play Guinea in a friendly in Spain on June 4, with Guinea missing key striker Serhou Guirassy and Northern Ireland using the match to blood young players ahead of Nations League.

Guinea-EU Sports Spotlight: Northern Ireland’s Michael O’Neill’s side will play Guinea in Cadiz on June 4 (then France in Lille on June 8), with players like Ethan Galbraith and Justin Devenny linking up after club seasons and injuries. Ebola Watch (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo reports 321 confirmed Ebola cases and 48 deaths, as WHO flags the outbreak as a public health emergency and partners scale up response in affected provinces. Gulf of Guinea Economy: Ghana and the UK sign a £215m Growth Partnership (2026–2028), including a £101m Takoradi Floating Dock project expected to create up to 430 jobs and support maritime services. Maritime Security (Nigeria): President Tinubu praises the Nigerian Navy’s anti-piracy push and commissions three vessels, while a combined maritime task force is set to strengthen Gulf of Guinea patrols. Regional Security (Mali): Analysts say JNIM’s road blockades and attacks on mining assets follow a “terror group business model,” undermining governments while extracting resources. Migration & Safety: Migrants continue arriving in Spain’s Canary Islands ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit, with thousands crossing the Atlantic route and many dying or going missing.

Ebola Response in DRC: A Chinese anti-epidemic medical expert team has arrived in Kinshasa to support the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola fight as the outbreak triggers new international measures. Ebola Spread and Food Pressure: The World Food Programme warns eastern DRC’s fast-moving Ebola strain could spiral further, deepening hunger amid conflict and displacement. Uganda Ebola Update: Uganda confirms six new Ebola cases, bringing total infections to 15, with contact tracing and treatment ongoing. Ghana-UK Growth Deal: Ghana and the UK sign a £215m Growth Partnership for 2026–2028, including a £101m Takoradi floating dock project expected to create up to 430 jobs. Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea: Nigeria’s Tinubu commissions three naval vessels and flags a Combined Maritime Task Force to curb piracy and crude oil theft. Guinea Elections and Democracy Debate: Opinion pieces highlight concerns about low turnout and calls for boycotts ahead of Guinea’s legislative and municipal polls. Sports—Guinea Friendlies: Northern Ireland players Justin Devenny and Ethan Galbraith prepare to face Guinea in upcoming internationals, with Galbraith returning after injury.

Guinea Elections: Guineans voted in legislative and municipal polls meant to restore constitutional order after the 2021 coup, but turnout was low in Conakry and Labé, with opposition groups warning of an “electoral farce,” intimidation claims, and a boycott push. ECOWAS Monitoring: ECOWAS election officers and observers toured polling stations in Conakry, noting delays in opening due to rain while stressing continued support for Guinea’s process. Ebola Update (DRC): The latest Ebola outbreak in the DRC is still accelerating, with WHO reporting rising cases and deaths, while five recovered patients were confirmed. Maritime Security (Nigeria): President Tinubu commissioned three new Nigerian naval vessels and a Gulf of Guinea task force, citing gains against piracy and crude oil theft. Gulf of Guinea Trade/Environment (Ghana-UK): Ghana and the UK signed a £215m growth partnership, including a £101m Takoradi dry dock project and climate funding.

Elections in Guinea: Counting is underway after Sunday’s legislative and municipal polls, seen as a key step back toward constitutional rule after the 2021 coup. Reports point to low turnout in Conakry and Labé, with opposition groups and civil society urging a boycott and alleging intimidation. ECOWAS Monitoring: ECOWAS deployed a technical election observation mission to Guinea from May 24 to June 4, with 40 experts to oversee the process. Political tensions: Coverage says many candidates were linked to the presidential camp after authorities dissolved nearly 40 political parties in March, raising concerns about political freedoms and the vote’s legitimacy. Sports—Guinea’s U-17 women: Nigeria’s Flamingos crushed Guinea 6-0 in the second leg to win 11-0 on aggregate and book the next qualifying round. Public health—Ebola watch: Separate reporting highlights the DRC Ebola outbreak, with WHO describing it as a public health emergency and warning containment is difficult.

Guinea Elections: Guineans voted Sunday in legislative and municipal polls—the first since the 2021 coup—electing 147 MPs under a 2025 constitution, but the process was marred by opposition boycotts, party dissolutions, and reports of low turnout. ECOWAS Monitoring: ECOWAS deployed a 40-expert technical mission (May 24–June 4) to observe the vote, including counting and results collation. Bauxite & Livelihoods: A new report highlights how bauxite mining is reshaping communities in northwestern Guinea, with residents saying land registered to mining firms has left them with less to farm and earn. Football (Youth): Nigeria’s Flamingos crushed Guinea 6–0 in the second leg of the U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers for an 11–0 aggregate win, booking the next round. Sports (Coaching): Rafael Benítez says coaching a national team could be an option for him after his recent club stint. Migration & Rights: A Guinean woman deported from Belarus without her infant daughter has been reunited with the child after pressure from UN and UNICEF.