Event Summary
Guinea-Bissau’s civic space has been closed to the actions of civil society organizations since 2020. However, following the interruption of the electoral process by the High Military Command, the situation has further deteriorated. The ability of social movements and civil society organizations that fight for the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law has been completely restricted. Some movements are demanding the publication of the electoral results as a means to normalize the country’s situation. These voices are being constantly silenced through acts of violence, as illustrated by what is happening to the Revolutionary Movement “Pó de Terra.” Since the interruption of the elections, its leaders have attempted to organize several demonstrations in Bissau and have consistently faced persecution and attempts at detention. On 22 January 2026, the movement reported the disappearance of two of its leaders, namely Vigário Luís Balanta and Davide Agostinho Fanda.
In a statement sent to the press, the organization reported that the two activists were last seen on 20 January 2026, at around 5:00 a.m. in the United Nations area in the city center, allegedly while being pursued by security forces. Since then, according to the movement, there has been no contact, communication, or official information regarding their whereabouts.
As of 26 January 2026, the competent authorities have not responded to the allegations made by the Revolutionary Movement “Pó de Terra.”