Comment By UN Human Rights Office Spokesperson Seif Magango On Guinea-Bissau

Geneva, 2 April 2026

We are shocked by the brutal killing of civil society activist Vigário Luís Balanta, whose body was found about 30km outside the capital on 31 March. We take note of the de facto authorities call for an urgent investigation and call for it to be conducted thoroughly and impartially, and for those responsible to be brought to justice following fair trials.

Vigário Luís Balanta’s apparent beating to death comes amid a progressive reduction of civic and democratic space, which has accelerated in Guinea-Bissau since the November 2025 coup. Members of the opposition and human rights defenders have been arbitrarily detained, assaulted, harassed and intimidated, demonstrations dispersed and radio stations suspended.

Such acts are inconsistent with Guinea-Bissau’s international human rights obligations and must stop immediately, and victims should be granted full remedies. The de facto authorities must also take urgent and meaningful steps toward restoring constitutional order.

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