Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Guinea-Bissau is losing its democratic direction as political fragmentation, growing links between political actors and military factions, and increasing pressure on the media weaken the country’s institutions, the head of the Guinea-Bissau Journalists Association, António Nhaga, has warned.
Nhaga, who is also editor-in-chief of O Democrata, made the assessment in an analysis published by the online newspaper Capital News on the country’s current political situation.
He said the proliferation of political groups since 2018 had created a political landscape in which many new formations lack a clear ideological identity or traditional structures associated with political parties.
Political Groups and the Struggle for State Power
Nhaga argued that, apart from established parties such as the PAIGC, RGB, PRS, and Union for Change, many of the newer political formations should not be considered genuine political parties.
He said some operate primarily around particular interests and have become vulnerable to alliances with military factions, potentially contributing to political instability and attempts to seize power.
His comments come amid attention surrounding preparations for the reported Guinean People’s Party (PPG), a political project yet to be officially launched but linked in recent reports to transitional Prime Minister Ilídio Vieira Té. Several politicians have recently announced their departure from existing parties, reportedly to join the emerging movement.
Nhaga also pointed to internal divisions within traditional parties. He said the Social Renewal Party (PRS) was facing several competing factions, while the PAIGC was under pressure from threats of further fragmentation.
“It is fashionable to seize state power,” Nhaga said, linking the political struggle to weakened institutions and a broader governance crisis.
Journalist Warns of a Captured Media
The journalist also raised concerns about the state of the media, saying political divisions are increasingly being reflected in newsrooms.
According to Nhaga, some journalists and media actors are abandoning their independent watchdog role and instead defending the interests of political groups. He described them as becoming “mouthpieces for hire.”
He said journalists who question those in power or provide alternative perspectives are increasingly accused of supporting opposition parties, making independent scrutiny more difficult.
Nhaga described the suppression of independent journalistic voices as a deliberate factor contributing to the country’s political turmoil.
He is calling for greater unity among journalists and media professionals to restore the press as an independent fourth estate.
For Nhaga, strengthening media independence and restoring meaningful public debate are essential if Guinea-Bissau is to reverse what he describes as democratic erosion and return to constitutional and democratic governance.
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