Radio Stations Narrowly Escape Closure

On April 5, 2023, Guinea Bissau’s Ministry of Communications ordered the immediate suspension of all broadcasts by Radio Jovem and Radio Sol Mansi due to their failure to pay license fees for 2022. Citing Article 3 of Law No 4/2013, the ministry issued separate notices to both stations, demanding compliance.

“The Inspectorate-General of the Ministry of Communications, under Article 3 of Law 4/2013, hereby notifies the management of Radio Jovem of the suspension of the authorization or provisional license, as well as the suspension, with immediate effect, of all broadcast activities,” stated Inspector-General Faustino Mamasaliu Djaló in the official notice seen by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

Faced with the risk of closure, Radio Jovem and Radio Sol Mansi scrambled to settle their outstanding fees despite financial difficulties. Alison Cabral, Manager of Radio Jovem, confirmed to MFWA that his station managed to comply to avoid disruption for listeners and commercial partners.

The suspension orders highlight the growing financial strain on media outlets in Guinea Bissau, where increasing licensing costs have forced many independent broadcasters into precarious situations.