Guinea-Bissau: New Supreme Court Judges Sworn In
BISSAU – Guinea-Bissau’s Transitional President, General Horta Inta-a, has declared that restoring public trust in the judicial system is the cornerstone of the nation’s democratic stability. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for four new Supreme Court judges on Friday, the President underscored justice as the vital link in consolidating the rule of law.
Strengthening the Judiciary
“Strengthening the Guinean society’s trust in justice is essential for consolidating our Democratic Rule of Law,” General Inta-a stated during the ceremony, which was broadcast on social media. He pledged his administration’s full “institutional solidarity” with the judicial branch, signaling a commitment to protect its independence amid a period of political transition.
The four new counselor judges—Lassana Camará, Injolano Mariano Indi, Mamadu Embalo, and Elsa António—were promoted to the Supreme Court of Justice (STJ) following a rigorous competitive selection process.
Prominent and Controversial Appointments
Among the newly appointed judges is Mamadu Embalo, a figure who has been at the center of the country’s high-stakes political drama. In his previous role as a criminal investigation judge at the Military Court, Embalo ordered the detention of Domingos Simões Pereira, the leader of the historic PAIGC party and the elected president of the Guinean parliament. Pereira is currently under investigation for his alleged involvement in a coup attempt.
Judiciary Under Pressure
Arafam Mané, President of the Supreme Court, welcomed the Head of State’s presence, noting that it conferred significant prestige upon the institution. However, he did not shy away from the harsh realities facing the nation’s magistrates. Mané warned of an increasingly hostile environment, characterized by external pressure and smear campaigns orchestrated on social media.
“We have been confronted with threats and accusations against magistrates,” Mané said, urging the public to distinguish between “founded and legitimate criticism” and “slander and defamation.”
A Call for Accountability
Mané concluded the ceremony by calling for total accountability among all legal stakeholders. He reaffirmed the Supreme Court’s commitment to a justice system “administered by courts with lawyers, prosecutors, and judges who are serious, qualified, and independent.”
Note: Reporting on Guinea-Bissau is currently being conducted remotely. The Lusa agency delegation in the country has been suspended since August 2025, following the government’s expulsion of Portuguese media representatives.
Image: Pexels – Mario Spencer
