Guinea

Following the September 2021 coup d’état in Guinea, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken several measures to encourage a swift transition to civilian rule. The junta, led by Col Mamadi Doumbouya, had decided on a 36-month transitional period. ECOWAS determined this to be too long, and in September 2022 announced a system of progressive sanctions. Following further negotiations with ECOWAS (and further protests on the streets in Conakry), the junta agreed in October to complete the transition in 24 months. However, the junta has proposed that this 24-month period will begin in January 2023.

Coup d'état ECOWAS Mamadi Doumbouya

On 23 September, three radio journalists (and the program they present) were ordered to cease their work for a period of one month by the High Authority for Communication (HAC) in Guinea. They had broadcast a telephone interview with Sékou Koundouno, a representative of the opposition movement, National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC). During the call Koundouno had encouraged Guineans to “mobilize for a return to constitutional order.” The HAC characterized this an incitement to revolt. The three journalists involved in the call have been forbidden from reporting or speaking with local media until 22 October.

Freedom of Expression Censorship