The National Transitional Council of Guinea-Bissau approved the draft constitutional reform on January 13. This is the first revision of the country's basic law since 1995, when the semi-presidential system was introduced. This was announced by the press Secretary of the NPS Fernando yours.

Source: Source: www.ecofinagency.com

Short summary:
• The Transitional Council approved the revised Constitution on 13 January 2026.
• Reform strengthens presidential powers while maintaining a semi-presidential system.
• Changes are taking place against the backdrop of an annual military-led transition.

The National Transitional Council of Guinea-Bissau approved the draft constitutional reform on January 13. This is the first revision of the country's basic law since 1995, when the semi-presidential system was introduced. This was announced by the press Secretary of the NPS Fernando yours.

One of the key changes involves reworking the preamble to «Reduce references to revolutionary ideology». . . . Authorities said the revised Constitution was intended to be neutral, belonging to all citizens, rather than a political party or ideology.

Although the political system remains semi-presidential, the reform grants expanded powers to the president of the republic, who will now act simultaneously as head of state and head of government. The President will lead the government, chair the Council of Ministers and coordinate the work of ministries. The Prime Minister will obey the President and must follow the instructions of the head of state.

The President shall have the right to appoint and dismiss the Prime Minister after consultation with the parties represented in the National People's Assembly, which has been renamed the National Assembly. The legislative and control powers of the Assembly remain, but the President retains the constitutional right to dissolve it.

Constitutional reform comes at a time when Guinea-Bissau is run by General Ortha N'Tam, the army's chief of staff, who came to power after the November 26, 2025 military coup that toppled President Umar Sisok Embala. The transition period is set in one year.

The West African Economic Community (ECOWAS) has since begun negotiations with the transitional authorities to return to constitutional order and rejected the proposed timetable for the transition period.
The Constitution of Guinea-Bissau was originally adopted in 1973, when the country declared independence and subsequently changed in 1984, 1991 and 1995. The revised version will come into force after its promulgation by the transitional president.

Lydie Mobio (Lydie Mobio)