At the end of March, residents found a lifeless body in a remote, swampy area about 30 kilometres outside Bissau, Guinea-Bissau’s capital. Witnesses told AFP the man was “covered in blood,” “wounded all over with a bladed weapon” and had “two bullet holes in the head.”
The victim was Vigario Luis Balanta, a 35-year-old teacher and a prominent critic of the military leadership that seized power in a coup four months earlier, ousting President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. Balanta was a leading figure in the civil society movement Po di Terra (Dust of the Earth). RFI reported he had previously been reported missing and briefly released.
Balanta was kidnapped in the Pilun district of Bissau; his body was found two days later. The United Nations called it a “brutal killing.” In his last public interview with DW in January, Balanta remained defiant: “We will keep going. We have to act strategically and mobilize the people.” He described Po di Terra as rooted in love for the country and determined to defend it, and said support remained strong despite fear among the population.
Civil society groups, including Po di Terra and the Bissau-Guinean League of Human Rights, accused the transitional military regime—or forces aligned with it—of orchestrating the killing. Seif Magango, spokesperson for the UN human rights office (OHCHR), said Balanta’s death “comes amid a progressive reduction of civic and democratic space, which has accelerated in Guinea-Bissau since the November 2025 coup.” He added that members of the opposition and human rights defenders have been arbitrarily detained, assaulted, harassed and intimidated, with demonstrations dispersed and radio stations suspended.
Activist Sumaila Jalo called the killing a warning to opponents: “We are afraid, but we will not be silent. The fight for justice continues.” The military government condemned the murder, described it as a crime “under particularly violent circumstances” and pledged a thorough investigation to hold perpetrators and any backers accountable. Critics remain sceptical of that promise.
Balanta’s funeral in early April turned into a protest against the military rulers. Hundreds gathered at Antula Cemetery in Bissau chanting “We are all Vigario,” “We want justice,” and “Down with the dictatorship.” The Guinean diaspora organized solidarity demonstrations, including in Lisbon, demanding accountability.
Tensions have risen after the government ordered private radio stations in Bissau to close over unpaid licensing fees of 5 million CFA francs (around $9,000). Some broadcasts resumed after talks with Prime Minister Braima Camar, but negotiations continue and the state of press freedom remains uncertain. Residents also report severe fuel shortages and long lines at gas stations; the government denies a shortage. The prime minister has warned against “misinformation,” and observers say some citizens reporting shortages have faced intimidation. Tensions in Bissau remain high.
The military under General Horta N’Tam says it plans presidential and legislative elections in December and a return to civilian rule. Former President Embalo, whose current whereabouts are unknown, is accused by opposition figures and observers of orchestrating the coup to avoid losing the election and stepping down. Guinean economist and diplomat Carlos Lopes said several scenarios are possible, including that Embalo may have initiated the coup but now has less control over the junta than he intended. “Revolutions often consume their own children — especially in Guinea-Bissau,” Lopes said.
This article was originally published in German.
