Biya’s ‘Henceforth’ on Free Expression Sounds Like a Confession

President Paul Biya has declared that Cameroonians will ‘henceforth’ no longer face harassment for their ideas, opinions, or beliefs. This is a promise that, according to critics, implicitly acknowledges the government’s past actions against free expression.

Observers and human rights advocates have met the statement with scepticism, coming just four months before Cameroon’s 2025 presidential election.

Public Declaration on Facebook

In a post published on his official Facebook page on Thursday, June 19, Biya stated:

“Henceforth, no person will be harassed because of his ideas, opinions, and beliefs, as long as they are not against the laws or the rights of others.”

This wording has raised questions about the government’s track record and intentions. The use of “henceforth” suggests a shift from previous practices—practices that have been widely documented and condemned by press freedom and digital rights organisations.

President Biya’s official Facebook page posted the statement on Thursday, but the accompanying image showed the date December 31, 1990. He likely refers to his historic New Year’s Eve speech where he first pledged, “henceforth, no Cameroonian shall be harassed for their opinions.” Critics widely view that promise, made more than three decades ago during Cameroon’s transition to multiparty politics, as unfulfilled. Its resurfacing in 2025, just months before a presidential election, rather raises renewed scrutiny over the gap between rhetoric and reality. This is particularly amid ongoing crackdowns on journalists, activists, and political opponents.

“What About Those Already Imprisoned?”

Renowned journalist and press freedom advocate Mimi Mefo Newuh was among the first to publicly react, questioning the sincerity of the president’s message.

“What about releasing all the journalists, activists, and politicians your government has imprisoned for expressing their views, Mr. President? Or this is AI speaking on your behalf as usual?” she posted on Facebook shortly after Biya’s announcement.

Her comment reflects broader concerns about the credibility of the promise, given the numerous unresolved cases involving jailed media workers and political activists.

Freedom of Expression Under Scrutiny

Cameroon currently ranks 131st out of 180 countries on the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders. Authorities classify the country as “not free,” and journalists frequently face legal threats, intimidation, or detention for their reporting.

The Paradigm Initiative, a pan-African organisation focused on digital inclusion and rights, recently rated Cameroon’s online freedom environment as “very poor,” citing the criminalisation of online dissent.

Past Incidents Undermine New Promises

Cases like Patrick Noutang’s, who faced detention in Douala’s New Bell prison for criticising the regime, and the arrest of a TikTok user taken to the State Defence Secretariat (SED) for advocating political change, highlight a persistent pattern.

Public figures such as Paul Tchouta, Longe Longe, and the late Martinez Zogo have also faced threats or violence linked to their speech—raising doubts that Biya’s new position will result in substantive change.

Security Forces and Lack of Accountability

Another critical concern remains the limited accountability for security personnel involved in harassment or abuse of journalists and activists. Despite repeated incidents, prosecutions of perpetrators are rare.

Promises vs. Reality

Though President Biya’s statement appears to mark a rhetorical departure from his administration’s longstanding stance, critics argue that such declarations have historically failed to produce reforms. Given Biya’s 42-year rule and history of unmet political promises, the burden of proof now rests on the government’s actions in the months ahead.

MMI