Equatorial Guinea prepares bid for CPLP presidency 2027‑2029

Equatorial Guinea announced it is ready to assume the rotating presidency of the Community of Portuguese‑Speaking Countries (CPLP) for the 2027‑2029 term and said the next summit will be held in Malabo. Minister of Foreign Affairs Simeon Angue declared, "Equatorial Guinea is ready to assume the CPLP presidency," while noting that the leadership choice remains unresolved, with member states split between supporting Equatorial Guinea and Brazil.

Timor‑Leste’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão said the future CPLP presidency depends on the organization’s consultative council, stating, "Everything depends on the CPLP's consultative council," and reiterated a previous claim that Timor‑Leste would lead the body. President José Ramos‑Horta, however, argued that Brazil should receive the presidency, citing Timor‑Leste’s upcoming ASEAN chairmanship in 2029 and domestic election cycles.

The 2025 summit in Bissau failed to reach a consensus on the 2027‑2029 leadership, and the issue will be revisited at the CPLP ministers’ council in Dili on 18‑19 August. Equatorial Guinea also highlighted reforms such as the abolition of the death penalty and efforts to expand Portuguese language instruction, including a university decree and a permanent coordination structure for CPLP affairs.