The West African Bar Association (WABA) has issued a strong condemnation of the worsening human rights situation and disregard for the rule of law in Guinea-Bissau.
- The West African Bar Association (WABA) condemned the human rights situation and rule of law in Guinea-Bissau
- President Umaro Sissocó Embaló accused of eroding judicial independence and suppressing dissent
- President of the Guinea-Bissau Bar Association, Januário Pedro Correia, and his family received threats after denouncing the government
In a statement released to the press, WABA highlighted a disturbing pattern of repression allegedly orchestrated by the country’s leadership, particularly targeting legal professionals, political opponents and critics of the government.
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At the centre of these claims is President Umaro Sissocó Embaló, who has been accused of eroding judicial independence and suppressing dissent. According to WABA, the President of the Guinea-Bissau Bar Association, Januário Pedro Correia, and his family have received threats following his public denunciation of the government.
“It is more disheartening that the legal profession, the judiciary, and indeed the Guinea-Bissau Bar Association have been viciously attacked by the government in a ploy to silence dissenting views and the rule of law,” the statement read.
Threats after public criticism
Correia’s remarks came during a press briefing on 31st January 2025, where he criticised President Embaló for failing to initiate elections or a political transition process, as his tenure nears its end in February 2025. He also condemned what he described as rampant political interference in the administration of justice.
WABA revealed that following this address, threats were made against Correia and his family, allegedly due to his outspoken stance against the regime.
Bar Association evicted despite court orders
In a particularly concerning development, WABA reported that the government forcefully evicted the Guinea-Bissau Bar Association from its Secretariat headquarters. The premises were then handed over to a government agency, in blatant defiance of court orders that had barred the eviction.
“In furtherance of the calculated assault and terror unleashed on the legal profession, President Umaro Sissocó Embaló forcefully evicted the Guinea-Bissau Bar Association from its Secretariat, despite existing court rulings against such action,” WABA stated.
Lawyers targeted for defending alleged coup plotters
The association also drew attention to reports that lawyers representing individuals accused of being involved in an alleged coup attempt have been harassed for simply performing their legal duties. These lawyers, WABA stressed, are constitutionally mandated to defend their clients without interference.
“It is therefore unfortunate that lawyers who are defending persons accused of committing crimes are being persecuted for discharging their lawful duties to their clients,” the statement read.
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WABA described the situation as a “calculated assault” on the legal profession and an affront to the rule of law. The association urged regional bodies and international partners to intervene immediately.
“These grave violations have led to the suffering, displacement, and loss of life of some individuals, with little or no accountability,” WABA lamented. “We also note the recent visit by an ECOWAS delegation to Guinea-Bissau as part of a peace mission, which underscores the urgency of the situation.”
