History of Guinea-Bissau

Kaabu, 1537–1867 Draft, not yet reviewed

Kaabu was a federation of Mandinka kingdoms in the Senegambia region centered within modern northeastern Guinea-Bissau, large parts of today's Gambia, and extending into Koussanar, Koumpentoum, and the Casamance in Senegal. It rose to prominence as an imperial military province of the Mali Empire. After the decline of the Mali Empire, Kaabu became independent. Kansala, the imperial capital, was captured by Fula forces from the Futa Jallon during the 19th century Fula jihads.

Seat of power: Kansala

Portuguese Guinea, 1588–1974 Draft, not yet reviewed

Portuguese Guinea was a Portuguese overseas province in West Africa until 10 September 1974, when it gained independence as Guinea-Bissau. Bissau, founded in 1687 and re-established as a fortified post in the mid-18th century, became the centre of Portuguese control. The Atlantic slave trade transported an estimated eleven million people from Africa between 1440 and 1870, including two million from Senegambia and Upper Guinea. The fight for independence began in 1956, when Amílcar Cabral founded the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC).

Seat of power: Bissau

Guinea-Bissau, 1974 to today Draft, not yet reviewed

Guinea-Bissau, officially the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, is a country in West Africa. Upon independence, declared in 1973 and recognised in 1974, the name of its capital, Bissau, was added to the country's name to prevent confusion with Guinea (formerly French Guinea). The first multi-party elections were held in 1994. Several successful military coups have since interrupted peaceful transfer of power, most recently the 2025 coup.

Seat of power: Bissau

Rulers

• Luís Cabral, President of Guinea-Bissau, 1973–1980
• João Bernardo Vieira, President of Guinea-Bissau, 1980–1999
• Carmen Pereira, President of Guinea-Bissau, 1984–1984
• Malam Bacai Sanhá, President of Guinea-Bissau, 1999–2000
• Ansumane Mané, President of Guinea-Bissau, 1999–1999
• Kumba Ialá, President of Guinea-Bissau, 2000–2003
• Henrique Rosa, President of Guinea-Bissau, 2003–2005
• Veríssimo Correia Seabra, President of Guinea-Bissau, 2003–2003
• João Bernardo Vieira, President of Guinea-Bissau, 2005–2009
• Malam Bacai Sanhá, President of Guinea-Bissau, 2009–2012
• Raimundo Pereira, President of Guinea-Bissau, 2009–2009
• Manuel Serifo Nhamadjo, President of Guinea-Bissau, 2012–2014
• José Mário Vaz, President of Guinea-Bissau, 2014–2020
• Umaro Sissoco Embaló, President of Guinea-Bissau, 2020–2025
• Horta Inta-A Na Man, President of Guinea-Bissau, 2025 to today