While the freedom of expression and the press are firmly enshrined within Guinea-Bissau’s legal framework, including constitutional guarantees and specific press laws, the practical implementation of these rights is frequently undermined by the powerful influence of government and military interests, creating a palpable tension for journalists operating within the capital, Bissau and beyond. The media environment consists of a mix of state-owned and numerous small, privately-owned outlets. State media, such as Radio Nacional da Guiné-Bissau, often serves as the primary voice of the ruling establishment, particularly during periods of political crisis. In contrast, independent media, including private radio stations and critical publications like the online news portal O Democrata, strive to fulfil a watchdog role, frequently facing acute resource deficits and institutional pressure. This struggle for independence means that reporting on sensitive issues, especially military affairs, drug trafficking, or high-level corruption, often crosses invisible red lines drawn by political actors seeking to maintain control of the public narrative.