Guinea Media Regulator Lifts Ban on Coverage of Suspended Parties Ahead of Referendum, Suspends Major News Website
Conakry, Guinea – Guinea’s media regulator has reversed its earlier prohibition on reporting about political parties banned by the military junta, just weeks before a pivotal constitutional referendum set for September 21. However, the High Authority of Communication (HAC) simultaneously imposed a three-month suspension on Guinee360.com, one of the nation’s leading private news platforms, citing “professional incompetence and manipulation of information” without providing further specifics.
Boubacar Yacine Diallo, HAC President, announced on Monday that media outlets are now permitted to provide coverage to political parties that have been suspended or dissolved by the ruling military government led by General Mamady Doumbouya. This announcement followed last week’s directive that had barred such coverage, a move that drew sharp criticism from opposition factions.
Diallo emphasized the need for media to uphold “the principle of equitable access” across their channels and publications, according to a statement shared with AFP. He clarified that his previous comments from the prior Thursday were merely “recommendations,” and that the official HAC document remains the authoritative guideline for the referendum campaign.
The referendum, framed by the junta as a step toward restoring civilian governance after the 2021 coup, faces intense opposition skepticism. Critics accuse General Doumbouya of attempting to extend his rule beyond the transition period. The proposed constitution remains ambiguous on whether Doumbouya can run for president, though his supporters have encouraged him to do so despite a transition charter that prohibits junta members from contesting elections.
Earlier this month, the military suspended three prominent opposition parties, including the party of former President Alpha Condé, and has dissolved or marginalized numerous others over recent years. Since 2022, public protests have been banned, with opposition leaders frequently subjected to arrest, legal action, or forced exile.
In response, opposition groups have called for nationwide protests on September 5, accusing the junta of suppressing dissent and manipulating the political transition process.
