LIVE UPDATES
Guinea's Foreign Minister, Morissanda Kouyate, defended the recent restrictions on internet access in the West African nation, attributing the measures to a perceived "security problem." State TV broadcasted his remarks to foreign diplomats, including representatives from the European Union, the United States, and China, who had convened to express their concerns.
The meeting, held late on Wednesday, addressed various issues, with approximately 15 ambassadors engaging with Kouyate on topics such as restrictions on freedom of expression, internet access limitations, challenges arising from a fuel shortage following a devastating fire at the main depot in December, and obstacles faced by their teams.
In recent weeks, Guinea has witnessed a significant reduction in internet access, a development that has raised eyebrows among international stakeholders. The nation has been under the rule of military leaders who seized power in a coup in 2021, prompting increased scrutiny from the global community regarding the state of governance and civil liberties.
The foreign minister's assertion of a "security problem" driving the need for internet curbs sheds light on the government's perspective. However, the diplomatic discussions underscore the concerns of foreign nations regarding the impact on freedom of expression and the overall functioning of their respective teams in Guinea.
As Guinea navigates its current political landscape under military leadership, the dynamics of internet access and freedom of expression become crucial focal points for both domestic and international observers. The outcome of such diplomatic engagements may shape the future discourse on governance, security, and civil liberties in Guinea.
