A statement issued by Prime Minister Braima Camará and Foreign Minister Carlos Pinto Pereira, following a meeting with the international community in Bissau concerning the general elections set for November 23, announced the expulsion of the Lusa agency, RTP África, and RDP África delegations from Guinea-Bissau. Their broadcasts have been suspended from today, with representatives ordered to leave the country by Tuesday.
Inquiries about the decision were redirected by the Prime Minister to the Foreign Minister, who confirmed it as a governmental decision, withholding further comment but promising additional clarification soon.
The Foreign Minister acknowledged awareness of a statement from the Portuguese government but expressed regret that it omitted the rationale behind the decision.
He further stated that a more detailed response would be forthcoming on Saturday.
Concerning the measure’s impact on relationships with Portugal, Carlos Pinto Pereira emphasized that “each issue will be addressed in its context,” indicating ongoing deliberations and an anticipated official statement when appropriate.
Prime Minister Braima Camará underscored the government’s continued openness to dialogue, affirming the respect due to Guinea-Bissau’s sovereignty.
The Prime Minister quoted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, reinforcing the notion of the country’s sovereign equality and the historical struggles for independence.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to dialogue, discipline, and rigor while defending national sovereignty and maintaining open channels for negotiation.
The Guinean government’s action, which did not disclose specific reasons for expelling the Portuguese media, has drawn reactions from both nations.
The Portuguese Foreign Ministry condemned the expulsion as “highly censurable and unjustifiable” and requested clarification from Guinea-Bissau.
Meanwhile, the Guinean Ambassador to Lisbon has been summoned to provide explanations, with a meeting scheduled for Saturday.
The Lusa, RTP, and RDP editorial teams jointly criticized the decision as “a deliberate attack on freedom of expression,” demanding that their journalists retain the right to report from Guinea-Bissau.
