Killing of Guinea-Bissau rapper sends opposition underground

In the months leading up to the brutal murder of Guinea-Bissau rapper Vigario Luis Balanta, his wife pleaded with him to keep a low profile. Balanta, a founder of the Po' di Terra movement, had been vocal in his criticism of the military-led government since its takeover following a coup in late November. The movement's new leaders have gone into hiding as they seek to end the cycle of coups and violence that has plagued the country since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.

Balanta's wife, Dulce, described how he often hid with friends after public appearances or had been arrested on previous occasions. When she discovered her husband's body in a field outside the capital, she was traumatized by the sight. The military government condemned the killing and claimed it was investigating, but had not provided further details.

Opposition presidential contender Fernando Dias, who had been on the verge of winning an election, alleged that the coup had derailed the process. Balanta's close friend, Emilio Lima Betungut, praised his courage in speaking out against political and social issues. In the wake of Balanta's death, his music and tributes have spread his revolutionary message, inspiring a new generation to demand political freedoms and the rule of law.