Guinea-Bissau: Attack on RTP-Africa Journalist Sparks Condemnation and Raises Press Freedom Concerns

Journalist bissau

Gambiaj.com – (Bissau, Guinea-Bissau) – The brutal assault on Waldir Araújo, the RTP-África correspondent in Guinea-Bissau, has sparked outrage and renewed fears over the deteriorating safety of journalists in the West African nation. The attack, which occurred early Sunday morning near Araújo’s home in central Bissau, left the seasoned journalist with facial injuries and robbed of his belongings by unidentified assailants who remain at large.

The incident took place shortly after midnight in the Che Guevara square area—commonly referred to as the Bayana roundabout—close to the Franco-Bissau Guinean Cultural Center and just meters from Araújo’s residence. Sources close to the journalist indicated that he had spent the evening with a group of foreign journalists covering stories on Guinea-Bissau’s independence anniversary and the legacy of nationalist leader Amílcar Cabral.

According to one of his colleagues at RTP-África, the group had been working intensely and decided to briefly tour the city during their final night. They had dinner at a nearby restaurant before parting ways. It was moments after this that Araújo was violently attacked.

In the absence of an official statement from authorities regarding the circumstances or the journalist’s medical condition, media watchdogs and press unions have stepped forward. The Guinean Union of Journalists and Communication Technicians (SINJOTECS) condemned the assault, calling it a “vile and cowardly act” and a grave violation of press freedom.

This attack is not just an assault on an individual,” SINJOTECS said in a strongly worded statement, “but a direct threat to the freedom of the press in Guinea-Bissau. Journalists cannot continue to be targets of violence and intimidation for fulfilling their duty to inform the public truthfully and responsibly.

SINJOTECS reported that Araújo had informed them he was insulted, accused of showing Guinea-Bissau in a negative light through his coverage on RTP-África, and then physically assaulted. The attackers also robbed him of personal belongings before fleeing.

The union demanded a prompt and thorough investigation and warned that continued impunity for crimes against journalists would further foster fear and censorship within the media community. “The impunity must end. Justice must be done not only for Waldir but for all journalists operating under threat.”

The incident has also drawn condemnation from Rádio e Televisão de Portugal (RTP), whose news directors issued a joint statement denouncing the attack. “The integrity and safety of journalists are essential to the practice of journalism. Any act that undermines these principles is absolutely unacceptable,” the statement read. RTP affirmed it is maintaining close contact with Araújo and expressed full solidarity with him.

The Judicial Police have since confirmed that Araújo filed an official complaint on Sunday afternoon. However, there has been no public statement from the government or law enforcement regarding any suspects or leads.

The assault on Araújo comes at a critical time when Guinea-Bissau is seeking to bolster its international image during the 50th anniversary of its independence.

Yet, the attack serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by media professionals in the country, where press freedom remains fragile and journalists often operate in precarious conditions.

SINJOTECS ended its statement by reaffirming its commitment to defending press freedom and the public’s right to access free and independent information. “Our solidarity goes to Waldir Araújo, RTP-África, and all journalists who continue to work courageously in hostile environments,” it concluded.

As the calls for justice grow louder, attention now turns to whether Guinea-Bissau’s authorities will act decisively to protect journalists—or whether this case, like others before it, will fade into impunity.

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