Police in Guinea-Bissau Expel EU Ambassador from Human Rights Association HQ
Guinea-Bissau police forcibly removed the EU ambassador from a human rights association meeting, drawing condemnation from the organization amid European Union silence.
In a concerning incident in Guinea-Bissau, the police forcibly expelled the European Union ambassador, Federico Bianchi, from the premises of the country's Human Rights Association during his visit with the association's president, Aboubacar Toure. This occurrence, which involved armed and masked police officers, has raised alarm amongst human rights advocates, as it marks the fourth armed invasion of the association's premises in less than two months. The police entered the building without any explanation, demanding that all attendees vacate the premises, which has prompted outrage from the rights organization.
The Human Rights Association condemned the police action as "arbitrary and unacceptable," emphasizing the heightened seriousness of the situation given the presence of a high-ranking EU political representative. Such incidents highlight the deteriorating state of human rights in Guinea-Bissau and signal a concerning trend of increasing hostility towards organizations advocating for civil liberties. The lack of response from the European Union, which has refrained from any formal comment while continuing its activities online, raises questions about its commitment to human rights in the country.
As international attention focuses on Guinea-Bissau, the implications of this incident may force the EU to reassess its approach towards engaging with the nation, potentially impacting future diplomatic relations. The blatant disregard for the safety of diplomats and human rights organizations raises alarm bells for both domestic and international stakeholders, who may fear a continued erosion of democratic structures and freedoms in the region.