The High Authority of Communication (HAC) in Guinea has lifted its decision to withdraw the accreditation of Mamadou Diawo Barry, who works as a correspondent for the French media outlet Jeune Afrique. This decision was made during an extraordinary session on October 1, 2026, and is detailed in Decision N°36/HAC/P/2026. The HAC had initially announced the withdrawal of Barry's accreditation on September 16, 2026.
According to the HAC, the decision to reinstate Barry's accreditation was influenced by several factors. These include conciliatory efforts made by the management of Jeune Afrique and assurances that the media house would adhere strictly to the legal and regulatory provisions governing the work of foreign press correspondents in Guinea. The HAC also considered the commitment made by Jeune Afrique's editorial team to avoid any confusion and to ensure that Barry's role as a correspondent for Jeune Afrique was distinct from that of a local media journalist.
The HAC emphasized its commitment to press freedom, the pluralism of information, and maintaining a constructive dialogue with both national and international media. The regulator's decision reflects a balance between regulatory oversight and the principles of a free press. By reinstating Barry's accreditation, the HAC has allowed him to resume his professional activities, including the collection, processing, and dissemination of information across Guinea on behalf of Jeune Afrique.
The decision to lift the accreditation withdrawal was made by a quorum of nine commissioners. These include Fodé Bouya Fofana, Djelimory Dioubaté, Amadou Touré, Ahmed Camille Camara, Fanta Dopaogui, Mariama Camara, Mariama Naité, Mariama Donzo, and Oumoul Khairy Cherif. The decision was signed by Boubacar Yacine Diallo, the President of the HAC. It took effect immediately upon signature and will be published in the Official Journal of the Republic.
The HAC's decision has significant implications for press freedom and the operational capacity of international media outlets in Guinea. By allowing Barry to continue his work, the HAC has ensured that Jeune Afrique can maintain its presence in the Guinean media landscape. This move is seen as a positive development for the country's media sector, which often operates under challenging conditions.
The lifting of Barry's accreditation withdrawal demonstrates the HAC's role in mediating between regulatory requirements and the operational needs of international media. The decision underscores the importance of dialogue between media regulators and media outlets in ensuring that journalistic activities are conducted within a framework that respects both national regulations and international standards for press freedom.
The reinstatement of Mamadou Diawo Barry's accreditation is a critical development for the media environment in Guinea. It highlights the HAC's capacity for reconsideration and its willingness to engage with media stakeholders. This move is expected to enhance the working conditions for foreign correspondents in Guinea and contribute to a more robust and diverse media landscape.
Key points
- The HAC's decision to lift the accreditation withdrawal for Mamadou Diawo Barry, correspondent for Jeune Afrique, was influenced by conciliatory efforts and assurances from the media outlet.
- The decision reflects the HAC's commitment to press freedom, pluralism of information, and constructive dialogue with media stakeholders.
- The reinstatement of Barry's accreditation allows him to resume his professional activities, contributing to a more diverse media landscape in Guinea.
