Guinea-Bissau: CPJ Reports Threats to Journalists

CPJ's position comes after the events of the last three months, in which the President of the Republic dissolved parliament before the deadline established by the Constitution. The organization reports the occupation of state radio and television by military personnel, the ban on journalists covering presidential initiatives and threats and intimidation against media professionals and organizations.

CPJ called for an investigation into the occupation of public broadcasters and argues that President Embaló should withdraw his statements that denigrate and threaten the media, by referring to journalists as being in the opposition. Furthermore, the organization asked the Guinean head of state for guarantees that journalists will be allowed to work without state intimidation.

The invasion of public broadcasters by armed men occurred after the presidential decision to dissolve the National Popular Assembly and replace the majority government, PAI-Terra Ranka, with one of presidential initiative. The President of the Republic justified the decision with an alleged attempted coup d'état.

For CPJ, it is deeply concerning that the media in Guinea-Bissau have been intimidated through armed attacks and public threats, especially at a time when it is crucial to broadcast the news freely and offer the public diverse points of view on the ongoing political crisis.

The head of CPJ's Africa Program, Angela Quintal, stressed that President Embaló must withdraw his statements that threaten the media and desist from abusing state resources to protect himself from criticism. Furthermore, authorities must also investigate attacks on public media outlets and other attacks on the press.

CPJ also reported that the Guinean President instructed the Ministry of the Interior to create conflicts to monitor radio programs and punish those who insult other people. These actions are seen as a way to silence the press and limit freedom of expression.

The organization quotes the president of the local professional association of the Order of Journalists (OJGB), António Nhaga, who states that the President's remarks accentuated the dangers and tension experienced by journalists in Guinea-Bissau.

Furthermore, CPJ highlighted the ban on RTP and RDP journalists from covering presidential events, as well as the threats received by these professionals on social media. The head of state's advisor defended the president's decision, alleging that there was a deliberate distortion of Sissoco Embaló's statements by the international media.

CPJ also reinforced the importance of protecting press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists in Guinea-Bissau. The organization expects authorities to investigate threats and intimidation and take measures to ensure a safe and conducive environment for journalism.

Freedom of the press plays a fundamental role in democracy and is essential for the healthy functioning of any society. It is essential that journalists can carry out their work independently, without fear of reprisals or intimidation.

The international community must be alert to these violations of press freedom and pressure the Guinean authorities to respect the rights of journalists and guarantee a safe environment for the exercise of journalism.

Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of democracy and must be protected and promoted in all countries.

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