Canal 2 authorities called out for lack of concern over detained journalist

After days of questions on the whereabouts of Canal 2 journalist -Eric Golfe, it has been revealed that he is under detention in the nation’s capital, Yaounde.

The declaration was made by the head of the Cameroon national Union of journalists, (NUCJ)-Denis Nkwebo talking on Abk radio today.

The detained reporter was arrested by security forces on April 2nd in a hotel in Douala where he was quarantined after returning from France.

After days in detention, it has been revealed that Eric Golfe is in custody and being questioned in relation to his work at the Douala-based media house.

Reacting to the detention of his employee, Canal 2 President said he was not kidnapped. “He has been summoned by security authorities … to be questioned on certain facts implicating him in France in his capacity as Correspondent of Canal 2 International.”

Acknowledging that the journalist was picked up on Thursday April 2nd, his boss says “since his first questioning on March 30th, the General Manager of Canal 2 International has been in contact with him as well as with the authorities in charge.”

“As for the outcome of this arrest, which is part of the police investigation process, we expect it to end in the days to come” he notes sounding less concerned about the well being of his employee.

In addition to the lacklustre reaction of the Canal 2 President towards the arrest, detention and questioning of Eric Golfe in the line of duty, it has been noted that the media house too has hardly made any move regarding its worker, as it has failed to produce even a single report or release condemning the arrest.

Denis Kwebo criticised Canal 2 authorities for the lack of concern over the wellbeing of theirstaff highlighting that “journalists of Canal2 English had to force to speak about it yesterday.”

“Can you imagine that a journalist of a media house has been in detention today for days and there is no report on TV to denounce that?” A canal two journalist who shares a similar concern asks in dismay.

“Us colleagues in the house who published the “kidnapping “of Golf are being looked upon as criminals and enemies of the house” he adds.

While the charges or accusations levied against the pressman are yet to be known, different media outlets and bodies have condemned the arrest and detention if the reporter, describing it as a form of intimidation by security forces.

Golfe is one of many journalists to be subjected to this kind of treatment by Cameroon authorities. According to the committee to protect journalists (CPJ), Cameroon is among some of the top jailers of journalists. Just days back, the body joined some 80 media and rights groups to urge African heads of states including Cameroon’s President Paul Biya to release jailed journalists.

MMI