Africa Broadcasting Service (ABS) TV has accused the Cameroonian government of launching a smear campaign against the network following its reporting on the death of President Paul Biya. In a press release issued today 10th October 2024, Tod Ferrara, for the ABS TV Editorial Team condemned the government’s “frantic, poorly-coordinated” attempts to discredit its reporting.
Government’s Smear Tactics
According to Ferrara, the Cameroonian government has issued numerous press statements and engaged in covert operations to undermine the credibility of its report. French agents were instructed to contact ABS TV directly and probe into the origins of its story, while the Cameroonian Minister of Foreign Affairs ordered the High Commissioner in South Africa to investigate the network’s location.
ABS TV Stands by Its Reporting
Ferrara maintains that its report is accurate and based on credible sources. The network has called on the Cameroonian government to provide evidence that President Biya is alive, stating that “the burden of proof does not lie with ABS TV.”
“If the President is indeed alive, as they claim, there is an embarrassingly simple solution that could have immediately laid this story to rest – have Mr. Biya appear publicly,” said Ferrara. “A mere wave from a hotel window would have sufficed to show the world that Paul Biya is alive and well.”
Accusations of Hypocrisy
Ferrara also accused the Cameroonian government of hypocrisy, pointing to its history of suppressing free speech and persecuting journalists. “This is the same regime that has silenced, imprisoned, and caused the mysterious disappearances of countless journalists within its borders,” Ferrara said. “For them to now point fingers at ABS TV, accusing us of irresponsible journalism, is not just hypocritical – it’s laughable.”
The Cameroonian government has not yet responded to the accusations made by ABS TV.
