AGP Executive Report

Maritime Safety & Diplomacy: India says all 20 Indian crew members of the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer have safely returned home after being evacuated in Oman; the Indian ambassador in Muscat met them ahead of repatriation, with crew thanking Oman and the Indian mission. Gulf Shipping Pressure: The Jalveer case is the latest in a string of Gulf incidents involving Indian crews, after earlier rescues tied to Virat 1 (14 rescued after engine failure) and renewed diplomatic friction over US strikes on merchant vessels near Oman. Guinea-Bissau Aviation Policy: Guinea-Bissau signed an MoU with Nigeria’s United Nigeria Airlines to explore a national carrier, AIR BISSAU, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign airlines and build a joint venture around Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. Gambia Pilgrims & National Carrier: Complaints from Gambian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia accuse Gambia International Airlines of chaotic return schedules and unfair treatment, with the airline’s managing director admitting delays and explaining priority rules. Regional Political Commentary: A Senegal political analysis highlights fallout between President Diomaye Faye and PM Ousmane Sonko, framed as a warning about “godfatherism” in West African politics.

Air Bissau Deal: Guinea-Bissau signed an MoU with United Nigeria Airlines to explore creating a national carrier, with Bissau’s Osvaldo Vieira International Airport set as the hub and a joint venture planned. Gulf Shipping Tensions: India’s foreign ministry escalated protests after US strikes in the Gulf of Oman killed three Indian mariners, with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar calling US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and stressing “lethal actions” against commercial shipping are “not justified,” while Washington reiterated that blockade violations “will not be tolerated.” Rescue and Misinformation: In a separate incident, the Indian-flagged “Virat 1” sank off Oman after engine failure; all 14 crew were rescued and transferred, while the MEA also debunked claims about another tanker “Liaki Freedom” being attacked, warning against false reports. Political Pressure: Opposition figures in India, including Shashi Tharoor and Rahul Gandhi, criticized the US response and accused the government of failing to speak forcefully enough.

Maritime Diplomacy: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar escalated protests over US Navy strikes in the Gulf of Oman after three Indian mariners were killed, calling the use of lethal force against civilian shipping “not justified” in a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio; India also summoned US Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks again in New Delhi. US Position: Rubio told Jaishankar that commercial vessels must comply with US orders and that violations of the US blockade of Iranian ports “will not be tolerated,” while Washington framed the attacks as enforcement. Political Fallout: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor slammed the US response as “deeply insensitive” for lacking condolences, and Rahul Gandhi accused PM Modi of silence. Safety Update: Separately, India’s embassy in Muscat said the Indian-flagged vessel “Virat 1” sank off Oman due to engine failure, with all 14 crew rescued and transferred to another ship heading to Mumbai. Misinformation Watch: India’s MEA also dismissed claims that the tanker “Liaki Freedom” was attacked, saying the crew was safe after direct contact with the vessel’s master.

Diplomatic Fallout: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to protest US Navy strikes in the Gulf of Oman that killed three Indian mariners, saying “such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified,” while the US side insisted violations of its Iran blockade “will not be tolerated” and that all commercial vessels must comply with US orders. Escalating Protests: India has now summoned the US chargé d’affaires Jason Meeks again after the attacks, pressing Washington over the use of lethal force against civilian shipping. Political Pressure at Home: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor slammed the US response as “tone deaf,” noting it offered no condolences, as Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Modi of staying silent. Misinformation Pushback: India’s MEA also moved to debunk fresh claims about another Indian-crewed tanker, MT Liaki Freedom, saying the crew was safe after contact with the vessel’s master. Regional Context: The dispute is tied to the wider Strait of Hormuz crisis and US-Iran tensions, with Trump blaming Iran even as Tehran rejects the allegation.

Diplomatic Escalation: India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar called US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to lodge a strong protest over US Navy strikes off Oman that killed three Indian seafarers, saying “lethal actions” against commercial shipping are not justified, after India summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks again in New Delhi. Oman Gulf Fallout: The protests follow a week of attacks on merchant tankers with Indian crews—MT Marivex (24 rescued), MT Settebello (3 Indians killed), and MT Jalveer (20 rescued)—with the US Central Command saying the strikes targeted vessels linked to Iran sanctions. Misinformation Pushback: India’s MEA also dismissed fresh claims that the Indian-crewed MT Liaki Freedom was hit, saying the crew was safe after direct contact with the ship’s master. Regional Politics: Iran rejected Trump’s blame on Tehran for alleged drone attacks, calling it baseless, while Trump continued to frame the dispute as a threat to “Indian ships” near Hormuz. Bilateral Spotlight: Separately, Venezuela and Guinea-Bissau reviewed their cooperation agenda in a meeting between Venezuela’s ambassador and Guinea-Bissau’s foreign minister.

Diplomatic Protest: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reiterate New Delhi’s “strong protest” over US Navy strikes in the Gulf of Oman that killed three Indian mariners, saying “such lethal actions” against commercial shipping are “not justified.” Consular Pressure: India also summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks again in New Delhi for a second consecutive day, demanding the attacks stop and urging measures to prevent civilian deaths. Maritime Fallout: The incidents followed US actions against tankers including Palau-flagged MT Settebello (three Indians killed) and MT Marivex (24 rescued), plus a Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker, MT Jalveer (20 Indians rescued). Misinformation Row: India’s MEA dismissed fresh claims about an alleged attack on the MT Liaki Freedom, calling the report fake after contacting the ship’s master. Regional Diplomacy: Separately, Venezuela and Guinea-Bissau reviewed their bilateral cooperation agenda, focusing on areas like vocational training, agriculture, fishing, education, culture, air transport, and technical exchange.

Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: India escalated its response to U.S. Navy strikes near Oman by summoning US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks for a second time in two days, lodging a “strong protest” over repeated attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners after three Indians were killed in the MT Settebello strike. Domestic Politics: Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “compromised PM,” saying Modi stayed silent while sailors died, and urged a tougher public stance ahead of the G7. Maritime Security: India put maritime agencies on “highest alert” around the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, while the UN Secretary-General and the IMO also condemned the tanker attack and called for a transparent investigation and respect for international law. Regional Context: As Washington and Tehran trade claims about a potential ceasefire, Iran said no final decision has been reached, while Trump rejected Iranian portrayals of the deal terms and warned of unacceptable actions tied to the wider U.S.-Iran confrontation.

Maritime Security & Diplomacy: UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned the US attack on a Palau-flagged tanker off Oman that killed three Indian seafarers, echoing the IMO’s “strong condemnation” and calling the endangering of shipping “simply unacceptable.” US-Iran Crisis: Hours after Trump threatened major escalation, he said planned strikes were cancelled, citing “progress” toward extending a fragile ceasefire—while the US naval blockade of Iran’s ports in the Strait of Hormuz remains in force. New Incidents in the Gulf: The US also disabled a Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker, MT Jalveer, with 20 Indian crew evacuated safely after Hellfire missiles hit the engine room; India lodged a strong protest and demanded attacks on commercial vessels stop. Regional Governance & Capacity: In Accra, ECOWAS ran a cybersecurity hackathon with a West African firm (00SEC) designing the challenges, pushing local capacity-building for government, banking, and infrastructure defenses.

US-Iran Escalation: President Trump says the US will hit Iran “VERY HARD TONIGHT” and may “take” Kharg Island and other oil infrastructure, warning of “total control” over Iran’s oil and gas markets as the ceasefire is described by Tehran as meaningless. Maritime Blockade Enforcement: US CENTCOM confirmed it disabled a third tanker this week—Guinea-Bissau-flagged M/T Jalveer in the Gulf of Oman—after Hellfire missiles were fired into the engine room when the crew allegedly ignored US instructions. Indian Seafarers Caught In Crossfire: India reports three Indian sailors killed after a US strike on Palau-flagged M/T Settebello, while 20 Indian crew on Jalveer were evacuated ashore; New Delhi summoned the US chargé d’affaires and lodged a strong protest, urging dialogue and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic Pressure: India’s MEA says embassies are running helplines and coordinating with Omani authorities as attacks on merchant shipping continue. Culture Note (Minor): A Guinea-Bissau-set film, “Dao,” draws attention at major festivals, with director Flora Gomes linking ritual and rebirth to lived experience.

Guinea-Bissau Politics: Reports say the opposition leader is being kept under house arrest, raising fresh concerns about political space and due process ahead of key national moments. Regional Security & Migration: In the UK, families of victims of the 2023 Nottingham attacks renewed calls for legal change and accountability after an inquiry concluded, while the wider debate again touches on how authorities handle mental health and public safety. ECOWAS Digital Governance: Twelve West African countries, including Guinea-Bissau, are competing in an ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon in Accra, aiming to strengthen defenses against ransomware and other cybercrime threats. Labour & Mobility Policy: Kuwait has tightened domestic worker recruitment, approving only 10 source countries and banning many others—Guinea-Bissau is listed among the restricted origins—highlighting how Gulf rules can reshape migration flows. Trade & Customs Cooperation: EU-WCO support is helping customs officials across West Africa, including Guinea-Bissau, build local capacity on rules of origin for preferential trade agreements. International Spotlight on Guinea-Bissau: A tanker flying Guinea-Bissau’s flag was reported hit in the Black Sea amid sanctions-evasion concerns, underscoring the risks of flag laundering.

ECOWAS Cybersecurity: Teams from 12 West African countries, including Guinea-Bissau, are competing in Accra’s fourth ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon, aiming to build practical defenses against a fast-growing cybercrime wave. Drug Enforcement: Liberia seized 198 compressed plates of cocaine worth about US$19.2 million at Roberts International Airport, underscoring how West Africa remains a key trafficking corridor and raising questions about legal follow-through. Labour Policy in the Gulf: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry issued a new circular restricting domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and banning 27 others, including Guinea-Bissau, tightening the Gulf labour corridor for West African workers. Trade Rules of Origin: With WCO support, customs officials from Guinea-Bissau and other West African states joined training-of-trainers workshops to strengthen how preferential trade rules of origin are applied. House Arrest in Guinea-Bissau: Reports say a Guinea-Bissau opposition leader has been kept under house arrest, keeping political tensions in the spotlight. Workers’ Rights Watch: The ITUC placed Guinea-Bissau among countries on its global workers’ rights watch list, citing rising violations and pressure on unions.

Opposition Under Pressure in Guinea-Bissau: A military court ordered PAIGC leader Domingos Simoes Pereira to remain under house arrest after further questioning over alleged coup plotting, with his lawyer saying he answered judges’ questions and knew nothing of any attempt. Labour Rights Watch: The ITUC placed Guinea-Bissau on its workers’ rights watch list, citing a measurable rise in violations and continued decline in protections for unions and trade unionists. Energy Politics in the Region: In The Gambia, GDC leader Mamma Kandeh criticized President Adama Barrow for using OMVG rural electrification for politics while NAWEC’s electricity and water service failures persist. Domestic Work Rules in Kuwait: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry restricted domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and banned 27 others, including Guinea-Bissau, under updated oversight rules. Migration Focus in Spain: Pope Leo’s Canary Islands visit spotlights migrant treatment, with local leaders urging a shift from harsh conditions toward a more humane approach. Sports & National Teams: Guinea-Bissau’s football is in the spotlight indirectly as regional qualifiers and friendlies continue, while the Super Eagles prepare for Portugal in Lisbon.

Opposition Under Pressure: A Guinea-Bissau military court ordered PAIGC leader Domingos Simoes Pereira to remain under house arrest after further questioning over alleged coup plotting, with heavy security around his appearance and his lawyers saying he knew nothing of any attempt to “subvert the constitutional order.” Labour Rights Watch: The International Trade Union Confederation placed Guinea-Bissau on its Global Rights Index “watch list,” citing a measurable rise in workers’ rights violations and increased pressure on unions. Trade Rules Training: With EU-WCO support, Guinea-Bissau customs officials joined a “training of trainers” push to strengthen rules-of-origin expertise, aiming to help businesses use free trade agreements correctly. Humanitarian Reach: Qatar Red Crescent Society said its Eid Al-Adha sacrifice campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries including Guinea-Bissau. Regional Migration Context: Coverage also highlighted ongoing Atlantic-route migrant rescues and the wider debate on humane treatment of migrants in West Africa and beyond.

Opposition Under Pressure: Guinea-Bissau’s opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira (PAIGC) has been ordered kept under house arrest after further questioning over alleged coup plotting, with heavy security around his court appearance and his lawyers denying any attempt to subvert the constitutional order. Labour Rights Watch: The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) placed Zimbabwe on its workers’ rights watch list and also lists Guinea-Bissau among countries where union protections are deteriorating, citing increased violations and harassment of trade unionists. Energy Politics in the Region: In The Gambia, GDC leader Mamma Kandeh criticized President Adama Barrow for politicizing rural electrification tied to the OMVG, arguing NAWEC’s electricity and water failures should be addressed instead. Household Governance Fallout: Families of victims of the 2023 Nottingham attacks renewed claims that “every single agency failed,” demanding immediate system changes—an issue they link to broader state responsibility failures. Migration Pressure: Mauritanian coast guard operations rescued or intercepted hundreds of migrants over five days, including 181 Gambians, underscoring ongoing risks along the Atlantic route.

Opposition Under Pressure: Guinea-Bissau’s military court ordered PAIGC leader Domingos Simoes Pereira to remain under house arrest after further questioning over alleged coup plotting, with heavy security around his court appearance and his lawyers saying he answered judges’ questions and knew nothing of any attempt to subvert the constitutional order. Workers’ Rights Watch: The ITUC’s 2026 Global Rights Index placed Guinea-Bissau on a “watch list” alongside other countries, citing a measurable rise in workers’ rights violations and pointing to arrests and detentions of trade unionists in the wider region. Regional Integration Push: A Senegambia integration call urged leaders to move from declarations to practical steps, including cheaper air links between Banjul and Dakar and a smoother transit framework for people and goods. Climate Finance for Resilience: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects worth over $67m for vulnerable countries, including Guinea-Bissau, to cut flood and coastal risks and strengthen food, water, and disaster preparedness. Humanitarian Reach: Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid Al-Adha campaign reported 247,344 beneficiaries across 14 nations, including Guinea-Bissau, with meat distribution and support for displaced and needy families.

Opposition Under Pressure: Guinea-Bissau’s military court ordered PAIGC leader Domingos Simões Pereira to remain under house arrest after further questioning over alleged coup plotting; his lawyer says he answered all judges’ questions and denies any attempt to subvert the constitutional order, with heavy security around the court. Political Crisis Context: Separate coverage also points to Guinea-Bissau’s wider political instability after the November 26 overthrow of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, underscoring how coup accusations keep resurfacing. Humanitarian Reach (Regional): Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid Al-Adha “Make Their Eid” campaign says it reached 247,344 beneficiaries in Qatar and 13 countries across Asia and Africa, including Guinea-Bissau. Climate Finance (Guinea-Bissau Included): The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects totaling over $67m for vulnerable countries, naming Guinea-Bissau among recipients for resilience work on floods, food and water security, and disaster preparedness. Rights Watchlist: A Global Rights Index flags Guinea-Bissau on its watchlist for rising workers’ rights violations and repression.