ECOWAS Transition Support: Senegal has started facilitating Guinea-Bissau’s political transition after being appointed by ECOWAS, with talks held in Bissau with transitional President Horta Inta-A and Prime Minister Ilidio Vieira Te, as the country prepares for a constitutional referendum on Aug. 30 and elections on Dec. 6. Political Crisis Solutions: Guinea-Bissau researchers and academics in and outside the country have urged a national dialogue and a “Transitional Framework” to restore constitutional order after the Nov. 2025 self-coup, calling for a political ceasefire, prisoner releases, judicial review, amnesty, and security guarantees backed by ECOWAS and other partners. Maritime Security & Regional Risk: A Comoros-flagged vessel linked to the IB Atlantic IV saga—reported to have left Bissau in early July and later “disappeared” from tracking—was arrested by the Ivory Coast Navy after Liberia struggled to intercept it, raising fresh questions about monitoring and preparedness in the region. Black Sea Shipping Fallout: Russia’s renewed strikes on commercial shipping have again hit vessels tied to Guinea-Bissau’s flag, including the Mera Queen carrying wheat, underscoring how conflict at sea can ripple into global food supplies. Football (CAF): Guinea-Bissau’s UDIB has been drawn against Nigeria’s El-Kanemi Warriors in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round, with the first legs set for early September.