Journalist Abducted in Guinea Amid Military's Increasing Control Over Media

An investigative journalist in Guinea's capital was reportedly abducted by individuals dressed in security forces uniforms, according to his wife and lawyer. Habib Marouane Kamara, editor-in-chief of the online platform lerevelateur224.com, was on his way to meet a businessman and a friend in Conakry when the incident occurred. His wife, Mariama Lamarana Diallo, shared these details with reporters.

Diallo recounted that Kamara and his friend were stopped by men in a pickup truck wearing security uniforms. The men broke the rear windshield and forcibly removed Kamara from the vehicle. A witness, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of repercussions, confirmed this account to The Associated Press.

The attackers reportedly beat Kamara with batons until he lost consciousness before taking him away in their truck. Kamara's friend was also taken but later released and has since gone into hiding. Diallo and Kamara's lawyer, Salifou Beavogui, have not heard from him since the incident.

Military Regime's Tightening Grip

Guinea has been under military rule since 2021 when soldiers ousted President Alpha Conde. The West African regional bloc ECOWAS has been advocating for a return to civilian governance, with elections planned for 2025. However, the transitional government has not yet set an election date.

Earlier this year, military authorities dissolved numerous political parties and placed two major opposition parties under observation. Guinea is among several West African nations where military regimes have delayed transitions back to civilian rule.

Col. Mamadi Doumbouya leads Guinea after overthrowing the president three years ago. He claimed his actions were to prevent chaos and criticized the previous government for unfulfilled promises. Despite this, some critics argue that Doumbouya is no better than his predecessor.

Media Under Siege

Since assuming power, the military junta has increasingly restricted independent media. Rights organisations report that social networks and private radio stations have been shut down or suspended without explanation. Journalists have faced attacks and arrests during this period.

"Despite media pluralism, journalists and the media face obstruction and attacks that have become dangerously commonplace," Reporters Without Frontiers stated earlier this year.

In February, Doumbouya dissolved the government without providing reasons but promised to appoint a new one. He has resisted Western intervention in Africa's political issues, stating that Africans are "exhausted by the categorizations with which everyone wants to box us in."

The situation in Guinea reflects a broader trend in West Africa where military takeovers have led to delays in returning to civilian rule. Burkina Faso's junta extended its transition period by five years earlier this year.