Cameroon’s Press, Civil Society Face Verbal Attacks Prior to 2025 Election

The Cameroon government has intensified verbal attacks on the press, civil society, and political opposition, accusing them of destabilizing the nation as the country prepares for a presidential election in October.

During the first semester of the biannual conference of governors in Yaounde, the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, accused journalists, civil society groups, and political parties of spreading “false rumors” and inciting violence, signaling a tightening grip on dissent.

Atanga Nji’s remarks targeted media platforms, programs, and debates, which he claimed are organized “just to sabotage government action.”

He alleged that these groups are “preaching hatred for the Head of State and state institutions” and promoting tribalism and terrorism through “irresponsible slogans.”

The minister warned, “These repeated excesses are taking alarming promotions and could be considered as a threat to public order,” urging governors from Cameroon’s 10 regions to remain vigilant and “quench any form of destabilization.”

The Minister also strongly defended the government’s stability, dismissing concerns about electoral unrest.

“Stable Cameroon was not shaken during the 1992 presidential election, and Cameroon will not be shaken during or after the change 25,” he stated, referring to the upcoming election.

However, his assurances were overshadowed by a crackdown on free expression, with the National Communication Council announcing that it is monitoring over 700 media outlets.

Governors have been instructed to target those deemed critical of government policies.

This is not the first instance of Atanga Nji targeting the press and civil society.

His latest actions include ordering an investigation in the Littoral Region against Aboubakar Ousman Mey, brother of the Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Alamine Ousmane Mey, for allegedly attempting to destabilize state institutions.

Such actions show a pattern where Cameroonian authorities use state power to suppress dissent, particularly as the election draws near.

The timing of these warnings, just three months before the presidential vote, has heightened fears among journalists and activists, who have historically faced arbitrary arrests and detentions and other violations from the government.

The intensified scrutiny comes amid growing public discontent, as evidenced by opposition voices like Marlène Emvoutou and Cabral Libii, who have criticized President Paul Biya’s 43-year rule and his bid for another term at age 92.