West African Bar Association Condemns Human Rights Abuses, Attacks On Judiciary, Legal Profession In Guinea-Bissau
Central to these allegations is the head of government, accused of undermining the judiciary and silencing dissent.
The West African Bar Association (WABA) has raised alarm over escalating human rights abuses and disregard for the rule of law in Guinea-Bissau.
In a press statement, WABA expressed grave concern over the indiscriminate violations of fundamental rights and the targeting of opposition voices allegedly orchestrated by the government.
Central to these allegations is the head of government, accused of undermining the judiciary and silencing dissent.
The President of the Bar Association, Januário Pedro Correia, has reportedly been threatened, along with his family, following his public criticism of President Umaro Sissocó Embalo.
“It is more disheartening that the legal profession, the judiciary and indeed the Guinea Bissau Bar Association have been viciously attacked by the government of Guinea Bissau in the ploy to silence dissenting views and the rule of law,” WABA said.
“We have received reports that the President of the Bar Association, Januário Pedro Correia is currently being threatened alongside his family members on the account of his Press Statement released on the 31st of January, 2025, where he addressed journalists and the public on the government’s disobedience to the rule of law, criticized President Umaro Sissocó Embalo whose tenure expires in February 2025 for refusing to conduct elections or put in place a transition process, the lack of independence of the judiciary and political interference in the Administration of Justice System in Guinea-Bissau.”
WABA highlighted the plight of the Guinea-Bissau Bar Association, which has faced direct attacks, including the forced eviction from its Secretariat headquarters—despite court orders prohibiting such actions.
