• Guinea-Bissau suspends participation in CPLP, foreign ministry says
• Government cites statute breaches and refusal to recognise its chairmanship
• Suspension to remain until rotating presidency is restored

Guinea-Bissau said on Monday it had suspended its participation in the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), citing repeated breaches of the organisation’s statutes.

In a statement, the foreign ministry said the decision was also driven by the group’s refusal to recognise Guinea-Bissau as the current chair. Bissau criticised what it described as a lack of clear justification, transparent procedures and effective oversight in the CPLP’s decision-making, saying these weaknesses undermine the bloc’s credibility.

The government said the move reflects its determination to defend national sovereignty against what it sees as a serious challenge to the state’s legitimacy. It said the suspension of its participation in all CPLP activities would remain in place until the organisation’s statutes are fully respected and its rotating presidency is restored.

There was no immediate response from the CPLP. The decision could significantly affect relations between Guinea-Bissau and the Lusophone community, where it has traditionally played an influential role. It follows a period of political tension after a coup in the country, after which the CPLP suspended Guinea-Bissau and temporarily transferred the presidency to another member state.

Ingrid Haffiny