A Journalist’s Ordeal: Assaulted in Guinea-Bissau
Journalist Djuma Culubali faced violence at a vigil in Guinea-Bissau demanding overdue salary payments. Before she could report on the protest, the rapid intervention force detained and assaulted her. She recounted being beaten by officers until she lost consciousness while preparing to interview protesting teachers.
Unfortunately, this attack on Culubali was not an isolated incident. Other journalists, including Ngouisam Casimiro Monteiro, were also seriously injured by police officers on the same day, highlighting the dire situation faced by journalists in the country.
The attacks on journalists in Guinea-Bissau have escalated since an alleged coup attempt in 2022. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s crackdown on free journalism has led to the dissolution of the elected parliament, with journalists and media representatives facing ongoing harassment and violence.
Despite the challenges, civil society groups like the People’s Front have been pushing back against Embalo’s presidency through protests and demonstrations. Their struggle for dignity and democracy in Guinea-Bissau persists amidst political turmoil and oppression.