Guinea’s Media Landscape in Crisis: One Year After the Ban
In a shocking move, Guinea’s media regulator has concluded the "Forum on the Future of the Press" without addressing the elephant in the room: the ban on six iconic news outlets. For a year now, the Guinean population has been denied access to four private radio stations and two private television channels, severely limiting their exposure to diverse sources of information. The affected outlets, including Djoma TV, Djoma FM, Espace FM, Espace TV, Sweet FM, and FIM FM, had their operating licenses revoked by the authorities in May 2024, citing "failure to fulfill their responsibilities" as the reason.
The consequences of this censorship have been devastating. Over 800 journalists were forced out of work overnight, and many are still struggling to find employment. Former Djoma TV presenter Fatoumata Sadjo Diallo recounted her experience, saying, "The closure of our media outlet took everything away from us. I had to depend on my family for six months before starting a business. It’s not easy, but I’m fueled by hope." Alphonse Mara, a former columnist on Espace FM, chose to develop his communications business but faces stigma due to his former status, with companies hesitant to hire him.
The ban has not only affected the journalists but also the population at large. The absence of these outlets has created a "profound media vacuum," according to Sadibou Marong, Director of Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF) Sub-Saharan Africa bureau. Marong emphasized that the reinstatement of these outlets is imperative, accompanied by a concrete action plan, including financial compensation for the heavy losses suffered.
The recent Forum on the Future of the Press, organized by the High Authority for Communication (HAC), aimed to address the challenges facing journalism in Guinea. However, Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah’s speech carefully avoided the issue of media restoration, instead expressing his desire to "create new dynamics" between the press and the government. Boubacar Yacine Diallo, president of the HAC, called for a "rebirth of the free and responsible press" without mentioning the blocked media.
As Guinea’s media landscape continues to suffer, the country has dropped 25 places in the 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index, ranking 103rd out of 180 countries and territories surveyed. The kidnapping of Habib Marouane Camara, general administrator of the news website Le Révélateur 224, in December 2024, further highlights the dangers faced by journalists in the country.
In conclusion, the ban on the six news outlets has had a profound impact on Guinea’s media landscape, silencing dissenting voices and restricting access to information. As the country strives to rebuild its media ecosystem, it is essential to prioritize the reinstatement of these outlets and provide support to the affected journalists. Only then can Guinea hope to restore its once-rich and dynamic news landscape.
