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Guinea

Loi portant sur l'Acces a l'Information Publique et aux Documents Administratifs (Law on Access to Public Information)

Loi L/2020/0027/AN du 28 Août 2020 portant sur l'Accès à l'Information Publique et aux Documents Administratifs (Law L/2020/0027/AN of August 28, 2020 on Access to Public Information and Administrative Documents)

RTI Rating: 85 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
20 days
Extension
10 days
Residency Required
Citizen

20 calendar days from receipt of request. Extension of up to 10 additional days permitted if request requires consultation with third parties or searching extensive records (Article 14). Silence beyond deadline constitutes implicit refusal, allowing appeal.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • {'notes': 'Written request on official form or letter addressed to the relevant public body', 'method': 'written'}
  • {'notes': 'Physical mail to the public body', 'method': 'mail'}
  • {'notes': 'Electronic mail to the official email address of the body', 'method': 'email'}
  • {'notes': "In-person submission at the public body's office", 'method': 'in_person'}
  • {'notes': "Online submission via public body's website (if available)", 'method': 'online_form'}

Requests must be submitted in writing (paper or electronic) and directed to the relevant public body. Must include: name and contact details of requester, description of information sought, preferred format for receiving information. Request form available from public bodies. Article 11: "tout citoyen" (every citizen) has the right to request information.

Required Elements

  • Name of requester
  • Contact information (address, phone, or email)
  • Description of information requested
  • Preferred format for receiving information

Optional Elements

  • Justification for request (not required by law)

Fees

No fee to submit a request. Public bodies may charge a reasonable fee for reproduction or copying, limited to the actual cost of materials and labor. Fee schedule must be publicly posted by each body. Fees cannot be used to discourage requests (Article 17).

Fee Waivers

  • Fee waiver available for requesters who can demonstrate financial hardship or inability to pay
  • Fee waiver for requests in the public interest, such as journalism, research, or accountability purposes

Exemptions

  • National Security
    Information that could harm national defense, territorial integrity, or state security
  • International Relations
    Information that could harm relations with foreign states or international organizations
  • Public Order
    Information that could endanger public order or security
  • Criminal Investigations
    Information related to ongoing criminal investigations or judicial proceedings
  • Commercial Confidentiality
    Trade secrets, confidential commercial information, or intellectual property
  • Personal Privacy
    Personal data that could violate individual privacy rights
  • Internal Deliberations
    Preparatory documents, draft decisions, or internal deliberations before final decision

Article 19 lists seven exemption categories. Exemptions must be interpreted narrowly. Public interest override: even if exempt, information must be disclosed if public interest outweighs harm (Article 20). Partial disclosure required when possible (Article 21). Exemptions are subject to 20-year sunset clause for most categories (Article 22).

Appeal Process

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Two-tier appeal system: (1) internal review by public body head within 15 days; (2) judicial review by administrative court within 60 days. Law does not establish a dedicated information commission or ombudsman for FOI appeals. RTI Rating scored appeals 18/30, noting lack of specialized oversight body as a weakness.

Sources & References