World Bank Resumes Guinea-Bissau Funding After 2025 Coup
The World Bank has officially resumed funding for ongoing operations in Guinea-Bissau, ending a months-long freeze triggered by the military coup that rocked the West African nation last November.
Resumed Support for Critical Infrastructure
An official source from the World Bank confirmed to Lusa that disbursements for existing projects were reinstated on April 3, 2026. This decision follows a comprehensive review of the institution’s project portfolio, which had been paralyzed since the takeover.
While ongoing initiatives have received the green light, the World Bank clarified that any new operations remain frozen. “New operations remain subject to a separate evaluation,” the source stated, adding that the bank’s primary focus is on “strengthening institutions, building human capital, and consolidating development gains for the people of Guinea-Bissau.”
Census and Public Services Back on Track
The resumption of funds is a critical lifeline for Guinea-Bissau. The World Bank’s portfolio in the country includes vital emergency response projects, public administration reforms, and connectivity improvements. Crucially, the funding supports the national population census, which is scheduled to begin at the end of April.
A Nation in Transition
The financial suspension began on January 14, 2026, as the international community reacted to the dramatic events of November 26, 2025. On that day, a self-proclaimed Military High Command seized power just as the nation awaited the results of its legislative and presidential elections.
The coup saw the ousting of then-President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who subsequently fled the country. In the aftermath, several high-ranking figures were detained, including opposition politicians, judges, and Domingos Simões Pereira, leader of the PAIGC. Fernando Dias, the candidate claiming victory in the presidential race, was forced to seek refuge in the Nigerian Embassy for over two months.
The Current Landscape
The military has since installed General Horta Inta-a as the transitional president. Under his leadership, a transitional government and a National Transitional Council (CNT) were established to replace the dissolved parliament. While the World Bank is moving forward with established humanitarian and development aid, the international community continues to monitor the transitional government’s commitment to restoring democratic order.
Image: Pexels – Abenezer Muluken
