The image of press freedom in Guinea continues to darken, with weeks of disruption of radio waves and the withdrawal of certain channels from the Canal Plus satellite package. Faced with this critical situation, the press unions decided to counterattack by announcing several demonstrations in the capital Conakry. These demonstrations, in which the unions hope to see the entire Guinean population participate, aim to demand a return to pluralist information.
For several weeks, Guinean media have suffered broadcast cuts without explanation from the High Authority of Communication. Vague arguments about threats to national security have been put forward to justify these measures. Faced with this silence and these sanctions, the Union of Press Professionals of Guinea (SSPG) had issued an ultimatum to the authorities to obtain satisfactory answers and the restoration of the media. The ultimatum having expired without convincing results, the SSPG decided to take action.
On January 18, the SSPG planned a response plan called “human surge on Conakry”. Citizens and media professionals will gather on major roundabouts in the capital and surrounding prefectures to express their dissatisfaction with attacks on their fundamental right to information. The unions hope that this national mobilization will make the authorities aware of the importance of preserving press freedom in Guinea.
This worrying situation has also attracted the attention of the international community. Volker Turk, UN human rights commissioner, has expressed concern about the growing repression against Guinean journalists and media. However, Sekou Jamal Pendessa, secretary general of the SSPG, believes that international findings are still far from reflecting the reality experienced by Guinean press professionals. He recalls the commitments made by Guinea in terms of press freedom and human rights, hoping that the authorities will remember them.
While waiting for the Conakry authorities to react and take measures to restore press freedom, press unions are counting heavily on the mobilization planned for January 18. Beyond the profession, they also hope for massive support from the Guinean population to make their common voice heard in favor of an independent and pluralist press.
It is more necessary than ever to defend press freedom in Guinea, because it constitutes the foundation of a healthy and transparent democracy. Let us hope that this collective mobilization will lead to concrete and lasting changes to guarantee access to free and balanced information for all Guinean citizens.