Ouagadougou: The High Authority for Communication (HAC) withdraws the accreditation of the correspondent for the imperialist media outlet Jeune Afrique. The High Authority of Communication (HAC) of Guinea announced on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the immediate withdrawal of the journalistic accreditation of Mamadou Diawo Barry, permanent correspondent of the imperialist media Jeune Afrique in the country, for "serious violations of ethical and professional obligations", according to the regulatory body. The decision was made by the College of Commissioners of the HAC, meeting in ordinary session. It deprives the journalist of the possibility of carrying out, as an accredited correspondent for Jeune Afrique, activities involving the collection, processing, and dissemination of information within Guinean territory.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the HAC stated that Mamadou Diawo Barry's coverage of Guinean news does not meet the requirements of "objectivity, neutrality, and balance of information". The institution claims to have based its decision on the organic law relating to freedom of the press as well as on the texts governing its operation. However, the HAC press release does not cite any specific article, report, or publication that would have motivated the withdrawal of accreditation. The Guinean press also notes the lack of details on the facts underlying the grievances made against the journalist.
On the same Wednesday, September 16, the body issued a formal notice to the French channel France 24 for using, in its news edition of Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the term "coup president" to refer to the Guinean head of state, Mamadi Doumbouya. The HAC deemed this designation "inappropriate" and contrary to the requirements of accuracy, impartiality, and balance in the processing of information. She specifically criticized the channel for ignoring, through this wording, the legitimacy resulting from the presidential election of December 28, 2025, and the swearing-in ceremony of January 17, 2026.
The HAC has asked France 24 to stop using terms it considers "inappropriate, degrading, and offensive to the dignity of Guinean institutions" and to make the necessary corrections. She also warned that a repeat offense or failure to comply with the formal notice could result in sanctions provided for by Guinean law. For its part, the HAC affirms that it remains committed to freedom of the press and media pluralism, while recalling that the exercise of this freedom must be done in compliance with the laws in force, the sovereignty of Guinean institutions, and the professional obligations of journalists.
According to information consulted, neither Mamadou Diawo Barry nor the management of the imperialist media outlet Jeune Afrique had officially reacted to the withdrawal of accreditation.