Legal System of Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau is located in Africa. It is geographically situated in western africa, bordering the north atlantic ocean, between guinea and senegal. The country achieved independence on 24 september 1973 (declared); 10 september 1974 (from portugal). The capital is Bissau.
Government Overview
Government Type: semi-presidential republic Chief of State: Interim President Gen. Horta Nta Na MAN (since 27 November 2025) Head of Government: Interim Prime Minister Ilídio Vieira TE (since 28 November 2025) Cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the president Administrative Divisions: 9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama/Bijagos, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali National Holiday: Independence Day, 24 September (1973) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Legal System
The legal system of Guinea-Bissau is described as mixed system of civil law, which incorporated Portuguese law at independence; influenced by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), African Francophone Public Law, and customary law International Law: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; non-party state to the ICCt
Constitutional Framework
The constitution has the following history: promulgated 16 May 1984 Amendment Process: proposed by the National People’s Assembly if supported by at least one third of its members, by the Council of State (a presidential consultant body), or by the government; passage requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; constitutional articles on the republican and secular form of government and national sovereignty cannot be amended
Judicial Branch
Highest Court(s): Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal de Justica (consists of 9 judges and organized into Civil, Criminal, and Social and Administrative Disputes Chambers) Judge Selection: judges nominated by the Higher Council of the Magistrate, a major government organ responsible for judge appointments, dismissals, and judiciary discipline; judges appointed by the president for life Subordinate Courts: Appeals Court; regional (first instance) courts; military court
Legislative Branch
The legislative structure consists of unicameral
Citizenship and Suffrage
Citizenship by Birth: yes Citizenship by Descent: yes Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Historical Background
For much of its history, Guinea-Bissau was under the control of the Mali Empire and the Kaabu Kingdom. In the 16th century, Portugal began establishing trading posts along Guinea-Bissau’s shoreline. Initially, the Portuguese were restricted to the coastline and islands. However, the slave and gold trades were lucrative to local African leaders, and the Portuguese were slowly able to expand their power and influence inland.
This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Guinea-Bissau based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.