Guinea-Bissau’s military-led transitional authorities have imposed sweeping restrictions on political and media activity, escalating tensions following the November 2025 coup that dismantled the country’s elected institutions.
The High Military Command announced a ban on all unauthorized press conferences, political gatherings, and public statements, citing alleged plots to incite violence and undermine national stability. Violators, the junta warned, would face severe punishment.
The move follows the adoption of a Transitional Charter in December 2025, which dissolved elected bodies and granted the armed forces broad executive and legislative powers for a projected one-year transition.
The African Union and ECOWAS have condemned the military takeover and are closely monitoring the situation, warning that the shrinking civic space could hinder prospects for dialogue and a return to constitutional rule.
