Cameroonian journalists pen heartfelt tributes to young colleague killed by gunmen

By Tata Mbunwe

Journalists in Cameroon, notably those of English-speaking extraction, have continued lamenting the killing of young, promising journalist, Anye Nde Nsoh, who was shot dead by gunmen in Bamenda on Sunday.

They are expressing shock and disheartenment at the killing of the sports reporter, who was also corresponding for the weekly newspaper, The Advocate.

His killing reminds journalists working in the crisis-hit Anglophone Regions that they are in between the devil and the deep blue sea, says human rights editor and newspaper columnist, Rose Obah, who is also President of the Cameroon Community Media Network (CCMN).

“We refuse to be targeted and subjected as tools and sacrifices to suit the whims of the warring parties. The international and local authorities should ensure justice is served and journalists are protected under such crisis areas. Enough is enough! We need peace and constructive/inclusive dialogue to happen as a top priority,” she told MMI.

“What has happened to Anye may happen again and we don’t know who’s next – just because we have a duty to play our role as watchdogs,” Obah added.

The Bamenda Chapter President of the Association of English-speaking Journalists, Muma Jude, says he has been in distress since he learned about the journalist’s death.

They jointly celebrated World Press Freedom Day on May 3, four days before the journalist’s devastating death.

“I have been in distress since last night. Such a gentleman, so humble, talented, and full of energy. It’s unfortunate,” he said, adding that “we strongly condemn the killing of Anye by whomever,” says Muma Jude.

Also, The Guardian Post Editor, Mua Patrick, says he was pained by the news of the journalist’s death.

He described the late Anye as a “selfless gentleman and a fine professional”.

“I am devastated by his sudden and painful exit. I am equally pained by his demise. No human being deserves such cruelty. His death is a big blow to the media family and his immediate family.”

The late journalist had worked closely with several people, including Tim Finance, a senior journalist based in Bamenda.

He described him as a “promising journalist who kept his word”, adding that his death “is ocular proof that journalists in Cameroon are neither safe at all front”.

Anye Nde Nsoh is the third journalist in Cameroon to be killed this year, after Martinez Zogo and Jean Ola Bebe, two radio and TV hosts were killed in Yaounde in January.

Anye was killed by gunmen who were identified as Ambazonia separatist fighters. He was shot in the chest and he died before reaching the hospital.

Anye is among many journalists in the English-speaking Regions who have been targeted by the government or armed separatists for their reporting on the ongoing Anglophone Crisis.