In an interview given to Conakry Infos on Tuesday, January 2, the coordinator of the Maison des associations de Guinée (MAOG) Alpha Bayo, denied the comments of the government spokesperson speaking about the right to the internet.
First, Mr. Bayo expressed his association’s concern about the restrictions imposed on social networks in Guinea.
« As for 2024, our concern, you know, is the restrictions imposed on the people of Guinea regarding the use of the Internet tool. » Worried Alpha Bayo.
Then, the coordinator of the MAG spoke on the exit of Minister Ousmane Gaoual Diallo who maintained that access to the internet connection does not constitute a right for the population.
« Somewhere, there is a minister who went so far as to say that the Internet is not a right while other countries are fighting to put optical fibers even in the most remote villages so that the Internet is accessible to everyone. This minister of the republic, moreover a spokesperson for the government, takes the liberty of saying that the Internet is not a right, but we say that the Internet today is the right absolute. And the restriction has created a lot of frustration among the population. » He argued.
In addition to Internet restrictions, Alpha Bayo expressed solidarity with the media who have had their airwaves jammed for several weeks.
« The restrictions imposed on the media are really a concern for us and we are really ready to fight on the media airwaves for the restoration of their rights. The year 2024 promises to be very decisive and we are working strategically to make ourselves heard. » He announced.
For several months, the jamming of media waves as well as the restriction of access to social networks have remained one of the major concerns of civil society actors.
For many of them, this constitutes a violation of human rights.
Interview carried out by MSB
