Guinea-Bissau’s civil society organizations have accused French President
Emmanuel Macron of supporting and legitimizing Umaro Sissoco Embaló’s
dictatorial regime. In a letter, they criticized Macron for maintaining close ties
with Embaló, whom they call the “former President”, arguing that his mandate
ended on February 27, 2025 but that he remains in power illegally with military
backing.
The organizations also condemn France’s silence on human rights violations in
Guinea-Bissau, including abductions, attacks on journalists, and repression of
the opposition. They view Macron’s recent Legion of Honor award to Embaló
as an attempt to whitewash his regime.
The letter calls for stronger action from France, ECOWAS, and the United
Nations to uphold democratic principles and restore constitutional order in
Guinea-Bissau.
Author: Tiffany Bright
Burkina Faso: Political Activist Idrissa Barry Abducted
Idrissa Barry, Secretary of the political movement “Servir et non se servir”
(Sens) (Serve and Not Be Served), was abducted on March 18 at the Saaba
municipal office in Ouagadougou by individuals identifying themselves as
gendarmes, without any official reason. His arrest came days after Sens
condemned the massacre of Fulani civilians in Solenzo, allegedly perpetrated by
the Burkinabe army and its auxiliaries.
The Sens movement, which advocates for good governance and the protection
of human rights, believes Barry’s abduction is a reprisal for their denunciation
of these killings. In response, the group strongly condemned the act, calling for
his immediate and unconditional release, labeling it a serious human rights
violation.
Barry’s disappearance reflects a broader crackdown on political dissent under
the military junta. Sens had earlier accused the regime of conducting punitive
expeditions with genocidal undertones against Fulani communities, suspected of
links to the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM). These
statements likely angered authorities, leading to Barry’s abduction.
Sahel Nations Withdraw from the OIF: Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso Cut Ties
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have announced their withdrawal from the
International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), effective in six months.
The decision follows their previous suspension from the OIF after military coups
in each country. The governments of these Sahel nations cite sovereignty
concerns and dissatisfaction with the OIF’s stance on their political
transitions.
The move is highly symbolic, as Niger and Mali were founding members of the
OIF in 1970. Additionally, the withdrawal aligns with their broader strategy of
reducing French influence and strengthening regional ties through the Alliance
of Sahel States (AES).
While the OIF regrets their decision, it acknowledges the sovereignty of its
member states. France has not yet officially reacted, but this marks another setback
for its historical influence in West Africa.
Burkina Faso: Media Executives Questioned Over Online Comments
In Burkina Faso, two online media outlets, Lefaso.net and Burkina24, were
summoned by the Higher Council for Communication (CSC) after publishing
content from a speech by transitional president Captain Ibrahim Traoré on their
Facebook pages. Some comments under these posts were deemed malicious,
discourteous, or insulting toward the president, prompting the CSC to question
the media executives on March 18, 2025.
The CSC is now reviewing the case, and a decision on possible sanctions or
warnings will be made. Media regulators have urged the news platforms to
moderate comments more strictly, while some journalists fear this move could
lead to restrictions on public online discussions.