Human rights groups demand accountability for journalists in Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau

Human rights organizations and media unions are raising alarms regarding the safety of journalists in Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau.

In Mozambique, the Mozambican Network of Human Rights Defenders (RMDDH) is demanding answers regarding the disappearance of journalists Ibraimo Mbaruco and Arlindo Chissale in Cabo Delgado. Mbaruco, a radio broadcaster, disappeared in April 2020 after reporting he was “surrounded by military.” Despite previous investigations, the Cabo Delgado Provincial Prosecutor's Office recently closed the case due to a lack of evidence, a decision criticized by human rights groups as a denial of justice.

In Guinea-Bissau, two Capital FM journalists, Sulai Seide and Nelson António da Silva, have been released following their detention by police in Bissau. Their release followed interventions by the Sinjotecs union and the Ministry of the Interior. Seide had been detained following allegations related to his coverage of a constitutional referendum, while da Silva was reportedly detained following a dispute at a polling station.