RSF Calls for Urgent Protections for Journalists in Guinea-Bissau After Military Coup

December 29, 2025 – Guinea-Bissau –

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has issued a formal appeal for comprehensive safeguards for journalists in Guinea-Bissau, warning that press freedom is under severe threat following the military coup on November 26, 2025. In statements released by RSF, the organisation described a deepening climate of media repression and urged both national authorities and international partners to take concrete actions to protect independent reporting and uphold the public’s right to information.

RSF’s concerns stem from a rapid decline in media freedoms since the coup, which saw the dissolution of democratic institutions and the imposition of a transitional charter that grants the junta expanded control over public communication and civil liberties. Before the coup, Guinea-Bissau already faced persistent challenges for journalists, including sporadic violence, restrictions on coverage, and threats against reporters in the field. However, the post-coup environment has exacerbated these pressures, undermining established norms and creating new barriers to independent journalism.

In releasing its latest appeal, RSF highlighted that Guinea-Bissau’s ranking on the World Press Freedom Index dropped significantly in 2025, reflecting the deteriorating conditions for media plurality and press independence in the country. This decline follows actions by the junta that include temporary suspensions of media outlets, formal and informal restrictions on coverage of political events, and a broader atmosphere of intimidation that discourages critical reporting and fosters self-censorship among journalists.

One particularly alarming episode cited by RSF occurred just before the planned announcement of election results earlier in 2025, when the head of the presidential military office declared the suspension of “all media outlets until further notice,” a move widely criticised by press rights advocates. The organisation emphasised that such measures not only violate fundamental freedoms but also contribute to an information vacuum that can fuel misinformation and hinder democratic processes.

In its appeal, RSF urged the transitional authorities to guarantee the safety of journalists, ensure unhindered access to information for citizens, reverse arbitrary suspensions of media operations, and respect constitutional protections for freedom of expression. The organisation also called on international bodies, regional organisations, and donor partners to support capacity-building for independent media and press freedom defenders in Guinea-Bissau, arguing that external engagement is critical during periods of political transition and instability.

Press freedom defenders have noted that without prompt protective measures, journalists in Guinea-Bissau face escalating risks, including legal harassment, physical threats, and exclusion from covering key public affairs. RSF’s call for action underscores the broader global concern that democratic backsliding and military interventions often coincide with restrictions on independent media, making targeted safeguards essential for protecting journalists and preserving public access to unbiased information.

Reference – 

https://www.barrons.com/news/rsf-urges-safeguards-for-journalists-from-guinea-bissau-junta-b6536891

https://rsf.org/en/safeguards-needed-journalism-guinea-bissau-after-military-coup