Guinea-Bissau: Security of journalists, ethics and media freedom at the heart of the democratic debate

The European Union representative for cooperation, justice, security, gender equality and human rights in Guinea-Bissau, Carlos Abaitua Zarza, stated on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, that freedom of expression is "a fundamental right and an essential pillar of any democratic society".

This statement came at the closing of the joint project "Promoting and protecting democracy by safeguarding freedom of opinion and expression and combating disinformation in Guinea-Bissau", funded by the European Union and conducted over a period of 18 months.

The initiative focused on strengthening journalistic ethics, the safety of professionals, and the independence of media outlets. It promoted self-regulation, journalist training, and raising awareness among young people and the general public about the opportunities offered by the media, while also highlighting the dangers of disinformation.

According to Mr. Zarza, a free and professional press "guarantees citizens access to credible, pluralistic and rigorous information", allowing for public debate and control of institutions.

Julie Godignon, program manager at the Hirondelle Foundation, stressed that trust in the media "is built every day with rigor, transparency and sincere listening to communities".

For his part, Domingos Meta Camará, interim president of the National Council for Social Communication (CNCS), recalled that freedom of opinion and expression is "the very foundation of democracy".

The ceremony brought together journalists, media associations, civil society organizations, government institutions, academics and members of the diplomatic corps.