• Transition council endorses revised Constitution on January 13, 2026.
• Reform strengthens presidential powers while keeping a semi-presidential system.
• Changes come amid a one-year military-led transition.

Guinea-Bissau’s National Transitional Council (CNT) approved a draft constitutional reform on January 13. This is the country’s first revision since 1995, when a semi-presidential system was introduced. The announcement was made by CNT spokesperson Fernando Vaz.

One of the key changes involves a rewrite of the preamble to “reduce references to revolutionary ideology.” Authorities said the revised Constitution is intended to be neutral, belonging to all citizens rather than to a political party or ideology.

While the political system remains semi-presidential, the reform grants expanded powers to the president of the republic, who will now serve as both head of state and head of government. The president will lead government action, chair the Council of Ministers, and coordinate ministerial activity. The prime minister will be placed under the authority of the president and will be required to follow directives issued by the head of state.

The president will retain the power to appoint and dismiss the prime minister, following consultations with parties represented in the People’s National Assembly, which has been renamed the National Assembly. The Assembly’s legislative and oversight powers are maintained, but the president retains the constitutional authority to dissolve it.

The constitutional revision comes as Guinea-Bissau is governed by General Horta N’Tam, chief of staff of the army, who was installed following the military coup of November 26, 2025, that ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. The transition period has been set at one year.

The Economic Community of West African States has since opened discussions with the transition authorities on a return to constitutional order and has rejected the proposed transition timetable.

Guinea-Bissau’s Constitution was originally adopted in 1973, the year the country declared independence, and was subsequently amended in 1984, 1991, and 1995. The revised version will enter into force after its promulgation by the transitional president.

Lydie Mobio