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Guinea-Bissau’s military government has banned all unauthorised press conferences and public statements, increasing restrictions on political activity weeks after taking power in a post-election coup.
The announcement was made on Friday by the High Military Command, which has ruled the country since the army removed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo on November 26, shortly after a presidential election.
Following the takeover, the military suspended the electoral process and said it would rule the West African country for one year.
In a statement on Friday, the High Military Command said “some individuals and ethnic groups, particularly political figures,” had been holding secret meetings and using them to “incite violence and disobedience,” including actions that undermine the country’s transitional charter.
The charter, published in early December, is intended to provide a legal framework for Guinea-Bissau’s governance during the period of military rule.
The military authorities said they had “expressly prohibited the holding of any press conferences or public statements that are not authorised and that jeopardise peace and social cohesion.”
They added that anyone who breaks the order would face punishment under the law.
“Any person or entity that challenges the public order decreed by the transitional authorities will be severely reprimanded, in compliance with the law,” the statement added.
