Guinea reverses opposition parties' coverage ban ahead of key referendum
At the same time, the regulator suspended Guinee360.com, one of Guinea's most widely read private news outlets, for three months, over "professional incompetence and manipulation of information," though no details were provided.
Guinea's media authority has reversed a decision that barred coverage of banned political parties ahead of a crucial referendum scheduled for September 21, even as it suspended one of the country's biggest news websites.
Boubacar Yacine Diallo, President of the High Authority of Communication (HAC), said on Monday that media outlets will be allowed to give a voice to political parties suspended or dissolved by the country's military junta, led by General Mamady Doumbouya.
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His statement came after an earlier announcement last week that prohibited such coverage and sparked strong condemnation from opposition parties.
"The media must ensure compliance with the principle of equitable access to their channels, columns, and pages," the HAC President said in a statement shared with AFP, omitting any mention of earlier restrictions.
Diallo later clarified that his remarks from Thursday last week were only "recommendations," stressing that only the official HAC document sets the referendum's campaign rules.
At the same time, the regulator suspended Guinee360.com, one of Guinea's most widely read private news outlets, for three months, over "professional incompetence and manipulation of information," though no details were provided.
Guinea's September referendum, presented as a step back to civilian rule after the 2021 coup, is drawing sharp criticism from opposition groups who accuse Doumbouya of seeking to extend his stay in power.
The draft constitution is vague on whether he can contest the presidency, but his supporters have urged him to run despite a transition charter barring junta members from doing so.
Earlier this month, the military suspended three major opposition parties, including that of former president Alpha Condé. It has similarly dissolved or sidelined dozens more in recent years.
Protests have been banned in Guinea since 2022, with opposition leaders facing arrests, prosecution, or exile.
Opposition groups have since called for nationwide demonstrations on September 5, accusing the junta of silencing dissent and manipulating the transition process.
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