Guinea
In Guinea, the human rights situation in early 2026 is defined by a transition to constitutional rule that has been both praised by regional bodies and criticized by human rights watchdogs for its restrictive environment.
Following the January 2026 inauguration of General Mamadi Doumbouya as the democratically elected president, the country has officially exited its transitional phase, though significant concerns remain regarding the "cost" of this stability.
1. Return to Constitutional Rule and Political Rights
Guinea reached a major political milestone in late 2025/early 2026, leading to the lifting of long-standing regional sanctions.
2025 Elections: A constitutional referendum was held in September 2025, followed by presidential elections in December 2025. While ECOWAS and the African Union praised the "peaceful conduct" of the polls, opposition groups (the Living Forces of Guinea) boycotted the process, arguing it was designed to legitimize military rule under a civilian veneer.
Lifting of Sanctions: On January 28, 2026, ECOWAS formally lifted all residual sanctions and fully reintegrated Guinea into regional bodies, citing the successful return to constitutional order.
Political Exclusion: In late 2024 and 2025, over 100 political parties were dissolved or placed under observation. Critics argue this effectively cleared the field for Doumbouya by sidelining established opposition figures.
2. Freedom of Expression and Media Crackdown
Despite the return to civilian rule, the media environment in 2026 remains one of the most restrictive in West Africa.
License Revocations: In mid-2024 and 2025, the government revoked the licenses of several major private media outlets (including Espace FM and Djoma TV), citing "national security" and "professionalism." As of early 2026, many of these outlets remain shuttered.
Journalist Intimidation: Journalists continue to face arbitrary arrests. High-profile cases, such as the 2024 detention of union leader Sékou Jamal Pendessa, set a precedent for the "judicial harassment" that independent reporters still report experiencing today.
Internet Disruptions: While the total blackouts of late 2023 were lifted, "targeted" throttling of social media remains a tool used by the state during periods of social tension.
3. Enforced Disappearances and Police Brutality
One of the darkest aspects of the recent transition has been the fate of civil society activists.
The "Disappeared" Activists: As of February 2026, the whereabouts of prominent FNDC activists Oumar Sylla (Foniké Menguè) and Mamadou Billo Bah remain unknown. They were allegedly abducted by security forces in July 2024. The government has repeatedly denied holding them, leading the UN to call for urgent, transparent investigations.
Excessive Force: The ban on public protests (in place since 2022) has led to the deaths of at least 60 protesters over the last three years. In early 2025, several minors were reportedly shot during demonstrations over power cuts and the cost of living.
Impunity: Despite the landmark 2024 conviction of former dictator Moussa Dadis Camara for the 2009 stadium massacre, victims' groups are concerned by recent presidential pardons granted to other convicted officials on "health grounds."
4. Vulnerable Groups and Labor Rights
Women’s Rights: Guinea continues to have one of the highest rates of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the world, affecting an estimated 95% of women aged 15–49. While illegal, prosecutions are rare, and the state has been criticized for "weak enforcement" of protection laws.
Labor Rights in Mining: A 2025 report highlighted severe abuses in the bauxite and palm oil sectors (notably linked to the state-owned company Soguipah), including land grabbing without compensation and unsafe working conditions.
LGBTQ+ Rights: Same-sex sexual activity remains criminalized with penalties of up to three years in prison. In early 2026, the UN urged Guinea to follow through on "voluntary commitments" to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.