Killing of Guinea-Bissau rapper sends opposition underground

The killing of Guinea-Bissau rapper and activist Vigario Balanta in March has triggered a wave of political uncertainty, forcing the leadership of his newly formed political movement, Po' di Terra, into hiding. The movement, which emerged in response to the military coup that overthrew civilian rule in late November, now operates covertly as it seeks to challenge the ongoing instability in the West African nation. Balanta, a prominent figure among youth disillusioned with the country’s chronic political turmoil, was shot dead under circumstances that remain unclear, though his family and supporters accuse the military regime of shielding those responsible. Balanta’s wife, Dulce, recounted the moment she discovered his body after failing to reach him by phone. She believed he might have been arrested or injured during one of his frequent disappearances following high-profile events, such as a recent radio interview. When she arrived at the hospital, she found him dead, surrounded by grieving individuals. “I saw them all crying,” she said, describing how she initially feared he had been beaten badly. “But when I entered, I saw a dead body, and I haven’t been able to get the traumatic image out of my mind.” The military-led government has condemned the killing and stated it is conducting an investigation. However, it has not released any details, prompting accusations from Balanta’s movement that the regime is complicit in his murder. The government claims it seized power to combat drug trafficking, a problem that has plagued the country for years due to its role as a major transit hub for cocaine. Opposition presidential candidate Fernando Dias, who was set to face a runoff in the upcoming election, argued that the coup disrupted a democratic process he was close to winning. Balanta, who was 32 at the time of his death, used his music to highlight the struggles of life in a poor, politically unstable country. His lyrics resonated with young people frustrated by the lack of opportunity and the cycle of coups that have marked Guinea-Bissau’s history since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. Emilio Lima Betungut, a childhood friend and member of Po' di Terra, described Balanta as someone unafraid to confront powerful forces. “He was the only person who had the courage and audacity to speak out openly about political and social issues,” Betungut said. Following the military crackdown in late November, authorities imposed strict controls on dissent. Radio stations were raided, public protests banned, and opposition figures arrested. Despite these measures, Balanta continued to speak out, participating in demonstrations and giving interviews to media outlets like Reuters. His activism made him a target, according to his movement’s new leader, Nado da Cunha, who now resides in Brazil. Da Cunha explained that the group communicates through an encrypted chat with approximately 100 members, many of whom are based in Guinea-Bissau. They aim to mobilize the country’s 2 million citizens to demand greater political freedom and adherence to the rule of law. In the wake of Balanta’s death, musicians and activists across Guinea-Bissau and beyond paid tribute to him through songs and messages shared via WhatsApp groups. One notable contribution came from Guinean rapper El Smec D'vas, based in Portugal, whose video features Balanta raising a fist and declaring, “They can try to abduct my body, but they will never be able to capture my revolutionary consciousness.” These tributes reflect the deep impact Balanta had on both national and international audiences. The military government has announced plans to hold a constitutional referendum on August 30, followed by general elections in December 2026. However, opposition figures remain determined to continue their fight for change. Dias, who recently returned to Guinea-Bissau despite government threats, has vowed to resist the regime’s efforts to consolidate power. Meanwhile, Po' di Terra continues its work in secret, striving to build grassroots support and challenge the status quo.