Guinea’s media regulator has ordered the removal of the West Africa TV (Web TV) channel from national broadcast packages for ‘unsavoury remarks’ made during the May 30, 2025 edition of the “Star en ligne” programme broadcast on the Web TV.
The decision, issued on June 2, 2025 by the High Authority for Communication (HAC), ordered distribution companies, Canal+ Guinea and StarTimes Guinea, to immediately withdraw the station from their bouquet. The HAC cited Article 44 of Guinea’s Press Freedom Law (Organic Law L/2010/02/CNT of June 22, 2010) to justify what many observers say is a disproportionate sanction.
This removal order comes a year after the HAC suspended Mamadou Talsima Diallo, host of the same programme “Star en ligne”, on March 18, 2024. Diallo, also known as Williams Campbell, was banned for three months and prohibited from working with any media outlet during that period.
West Africa TV’s removal from the airwaves has triggered outrage from media professionals and press freedom advocates, especially as it occurs within an already repressive media environment.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) acknowledges the concerns raised by the HAC regarding the content aired on West Africa TV. While we agree that media houses must uphold professional standards and avoid broadcasting content that violates ethical norms, we are concerned that the blanket suspension of the channel is a disproportionate response.
In the current political context of Guinea, such sweeping sanctions risk silencing critical voices and undermining press freedom. We urge the HAC to pursue dialogue and apply sanctions that are fair, proportional, and aimed at reform.
