Horta Inta-A Na Man, the transitional president of Guinea-Bissau, made his first foreign trip since taking power when he travelled to Chad for the country’s 66th independence anniversary celebrations.
Horta Inta-A Na Man arrived in N’Djamena ahead of the official festivities scheduled for 11 August 2026. Chadian authorities confirmed that he would join the events alongside Andry Rajoelina, the president of Madagascar. Both leaders took part in the official programme organised by the Chadian government.
The visit marked the first time the Guinea-Bissau transitional leader left the country since the military takeover in November 2025. At that time, the High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order installed him as transitional president after the removal of Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
Horta Inta-A Na Man previously served as chief of the general staff of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of the People. Following the November events, he oversaw the formation of a transitional government led by Ilídio Vieira Té, the former finance minister. The authorities set a one-year transition period that included plans for elections.
Meanwhile, regional bodies including the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union suspended Guinea-Bissau and called for a return to constitutional order. The transitional authorities continued contacts with regional partners in the months that followed.
The Chadian presidency prepared to host the visiting leaders at the independence ceremonies. Officials stated that the programme would include formal events and opportunities for bilateral discussions.
The presence of Horta Inta-A Na Man in N’Djamena therefore represented an early diplomatic engagement for the transitional administration.
Furthermore, the trip came as Guinea-Bissau maintained its internal transition timeline. Authorities had earlier indicated that elections would take place at the end of the one-year period.
The visit to Chad provided the transitional president with a platform to engage outside national borders for the first time.
Chadian media reported the expected participation of the two foreign leaders in the anniversary activities. As a result, the arrival of Horta Inta-A Na Man completed the list of invited heads of state for the occasion.
