The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is calling on the military leadership in Guinea-Bissau to revoke a recent mandate that prevents unauthorized press events and public disclosures. Journalists have expressed concerns over the increasingly suppressive climate for media following the junta's takeover on November 26.
Muthoki Mumo, the Africa Program Coordinator for CPJ, stated, "It is crucial to safeguard freedom of expression and access to information during periods of political turmoil. It is concerning that the military junta in Guinea-Bissau is utilizing vague national security claims to infringe upon these rights. Authorities need to permit journalists to report without restrictions."
In a statement issued by the High Military Command on January 9, it was explicitly stated that "holding unauthorized press conferences or making unauthorized public statements that threaten peace and social harmony is strictly prohibited." The statement further warned that those contravening this order would face serious reprimands.
Despite the heightened risks, numerous journalists reported to CPJ that they continue attending and covering press events. One journalist remarked, "We must resist the junta’s orders to do our jobs; otherwise, we will merely propagate their narrative."
Others mentioned that official statements and interviews provided by the government were their primary information sources. Multiple reporters noted to CPJ that the increasingly repressive atmosphere has heightened fears among journalists since the military's assumption of power last year, leading to a growing inclination toward self-censorship.
"We carry out our work under the looming threat of violence, and many of our peers choose to remain at home for safety reasons," one reporter shared.
Since gaining independence from Portuguese colonial rule in 1974, Guinea- Bissau has faced ongoing political instability characterized by numerous coups, attempted coups, and violent acts.
Former army general President Umaro Sissoco Embaló was attempting to secure a second term in the elections held on November 23 after causing a year-long election delay and dissolving parliament in 2023 amid allegations of a coup conspiracy.
On November 26, a day prior to the announcement of election results, Embaló reported to France 24 that the military had removed him from power. Skepticism arose regarding the authenticity of the coup, with some suggesting that the president orchestrated a "staged crisis" to stall the release of potentially unfavorable election outcomes.
A statement circulated via state-owned Televisão da Guiné-Bissau from military officials declared the ousting of the president and the suspension of the elections, along with an order for "all media activities" to be halted as a measure to "restore order."
According to CPJ, only the state broadcaster was operational in disseminating the junta’s messages during this period. Three days later, other media organizations resumed operations, though journalists described the High Military Command's directives as “thinly veiled threats.” Several expressed feeling "extremely vulnerable" and characterized the media landscape as ever- more suppressive.
In Guinea-Bissau, reporters have routinely encountered threats, detainments, physical assaults, raids, and closures. In August, Embaló’s government took action against two Portuguese news outlets by suspending them and expelling their journalists.
In October, commentator Luis Vaz Martins was abducted and physically assaulted by individuals in police uniforms for allegedly showing disrespect towards the president. "The risks we encounter include imprisonment, abduction, and physical harm; such threats are commonplace here," one journalist recounted.
Major-General Samuel Fernandes, the Deputy Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff and spokesperson for the High Command, did not respond to requests for comments from CPJ.
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