Gambiaj.com – (CONAKRY, Guinea) – Guinea’s media regulator has issued two high-profile suspensions in less than a week, escalating tensions in an already heated presidential campaign and underscoring the authorities’ strict enforcement of neutrality rules ahead of the December 28 vote.
Parliament TV Journalist Suspended for Alleged Breach of Neutrality
On Monday, the High Authority for Communication (HAC) suspended Boubacar Koyla Diallo, host of the political program “Around the Transition” on Parlement TV. The decision, signed by HAC president Boubacar Yacine Diallo, cited a December 7 broadcast during which participants “lacked neutrality” toward candidates in the ongoing presidential race.
According to the HAC, the guests “made value judgments” capable of “influencing the electorate,” a violation of the electoral code and the professional obligation of fairness imposed on all public and private media during the campaign period. The suspension, which is without time limit, takes effect immediately.
The measure follows recent warnings by the HAC president that any journalistic misconduct during the campaign would be sanctioned immediately and without prior notice, a declaration that now appears to be moving swiftly into practice.
Kaback TV Taken Off Air for Three Months Over ‘Indecent’ Broadcast
Just days later, the HAC announced a second, more severe sanction: a three-month suspension of Kaback TV. The private channel is accused of airing “indecent, insulting and defamatory” remarks during a December 10 cultural program, TELERO.
The regulatory authority stated that the broadcast relayed content taken from social media “that offends modesty and good morals” and targeted two “highly renowned” Guinean artists. It deemed the broadcast an “affront to decency” and a breach of ethical rules governing the media profession.
This suspension, also signed by Boubacar Yacine Diallo, became effective immediately following an extraordinary HAC session held by videoconference. The decision will be published in the Official Journal, in accordance with Guinea’s press legislation.
Regulation vs. Press Freedom Debate Resurfaces
The back-to-back sanctions have reignited national debate over media regulation during elections. Supporters of tighter oversight argue that the stakes of the presidential race require strict compliance with neutrality rules to prevent misinformation and partisan manipulation.
Critics, however, warn that such rapid and forceful disciplinary actions risk undermining editorial independence in a volatile political climate where competing campaigns are pushing hard for visibility.
With the presidential contest intensifying and the country’s media landscape under heightened scrutiny, the HAC’s latest interventions signal an uncompromising regulatory posture likely to shape coverage throughout the remainder of the campaign.
