The Freedom in the World 2024 – Guinea-Bissau report by Freedom House highlights persistent political instability. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló’s 2019 electoral victory was internationally recognized, yet tensions between the presidency and parliament have deepened, culminating in the dissolution of the National Assembly in December 2023 and the use of force to block MPs from entering the building. No date for new legislative elections had been set by year-end. Press freedom remains extremely fragile: journalists and media outlets—especially Radio Capital FM—face harassment, intimidation, and violent attacks. Civil society actors and human rights defenders also encounter arbitrary detention and physical assaults. Widespread corruption, weak judicial access, illegal economic activities, gender inequalities, and the trafficking of talibé children for forced begging and labor severely undermine the rule of law. Overall, governance structures remain weak, and fundamental freedoms continue to be compromised in Guinea-Bissau.

Politics, Bribery, Governance, Human Rights, Liberté d'expression, Instabilité

The 2025 national report (submitted under resolutions 5/1 and 16/21 of the United Nations Human Rights Council) provides a comprehensive overview of the human rights situation in Guinea-Bissau. Institutional efforts have been made: a national monitoring mechanism (NMIRF) was established, and laws were adopted to promote freedom of expression, gender parity in politics, and protections against human trafficking. However, progress under the national development plan “Terra Ranka” remains weak due to political instability. Serious violations persist: 123 confirmed human trafficking cases in 2021, restrictions on free speech, social rights abuses, and environmental harm due to illicit construction in protected areas. The report urges strengthening protection mechanisms, ensuring judicial follow-up, improving access to information, and enforcing human rights legislation to safeguard vulnerable populations.

Politics, Governance, Security, Human Rights, Civil Society, Liberté d'expression

The 2023 Human Rights Report on Côte d’Ivoire notes no significant overall changes during the year, while documenting key concerns: arbitrary or unlawful killings (including extrajudicial), torture and ill-treatment, harsh, life-threatening prison conditions (severe overcrowding at MACA), arbitrary arrest and detention, serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media (suspensions, self-censorship), interference with peaceful assembly, corruption, and violence against LGBTQI+ persons. Reports describe abuse between arrest and booking, inadequate food and medical care in some facilities, and prolonged pretrial detention amid limited judicial capacity outside major cities. While the report notes incremental improvements (e.g., a new prison, more outdoor time for inmates), it concludes the government did not consistently identify and punish officials responsible for abuses.

Bribery, Governance, Justice, Human Rights, Liberté d'expression, Impunity