Guinea-Bissau’s new transitional authorities have appointed a 22-member interim government following the 26 November coup d’état, installing a cabinet dominated by civilians with only three military figures included.
According to a presidential decree, five women have been granted ministerial roles, marking a notable presence in the temporary administration.
Many members of the cabinet are viewed as allies of the ousted president, Umaro Sissoco Embaló. Carlos Pinto Pereira, a former foreign minister, has been named Minister of Justice and Human Rights, while José Carlos Esteves and Fatumata Jau retain their portfolios as Minister of Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, and Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Communities respectively.
One of the most striking appointments is João Bernardo Vieira, nephew of former president Nino Vieira, who was assassinated in 2009, now chosen to lead the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Vieira had stood as an independent candidate in the presidential election of 23 November. In a further consolidation of political influence, Ilídio Vieira Té, a former finance minister and head of Embaló’s campaign team, has been named both Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
Meanwhile, the transitional government is already showing signs of strain. Catarina Taborda, announced as Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, has publicly declined the position, a move that has reignited concerns over the cohesion and credibility of the newly formed executive.
