Guinea Eases Media Curbs Ahead of Referendum

By Chinasaokwu Helen Okoro

Guinea Eases Media Curbs Ahead of Referendum

Guinea has lifted restrictions on press coverage of political activities ahead of this month’s constitutional referendum. The country’s media regulator announced on Monday that journalists may now report on all political parties, provided they comply with election campaign rules.

The decision reverses an earlier decree that barred coverage of parties facing suspension or dissolution by the authorities. The rollback comes as the West African nation prepares for a September 21 referendum, expected to pave the way for a return to civilian rule.

Guinea’s junta, which ousted President Alpha Condé in 2021, has faced criticism for muzzling press freedom in the lead-up to the vote. Just last month, military leaders suspended the country’s three main opposition parties — including Condé’s Rally of the Guinean People, the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea led by former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, and the Party of Renewal and Progress — banning their activities for 90 days.