Fred Vubem, a print journalist with Cameroun Tribune (SOPECAM), has been reported kidnapped in the North West Region of Cameroon. The incident occurred on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Mile 11 in Bambui, Tubah subdivision.
According to local media outlet The Observer, Vubem was on his way from Kedjom Keku, his native village, when he was abducted. His current whereabouts remain unknown.
Vubem has been working in the North West Region as a correspondent for Cameroun Tribune, the state-owned newspaper. Colleagues describe him as a sociable individual who has consistently fulfilled his reporting duties with professionalism.
There has been no official statement from authorities at the time of writing. The identity of the kidnappers and their motives have not yet been confirmed. The case adds to concerns about the safety of journalists operating in conflict-affected areas of Cameroon.
Dangerous Country for Journalists
The incident comes shortly after Cameroon moved up four places in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), from 138th in 2024 to 134th out of 180 countries. Despite the modest improvement, RSF continues to classify the country as having a “difficult” environment for journalism.
“This small rise should not mask the reality on the ground — Cameroon continues to be one of the most dangerous countries in Africa for journalists,” RSF stated in its latest report. The country remains the lowest-ranked in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) region, with intimidation, censorship, and arbitrary detentions reportedly still common.
The Kidnap of Fred Vubem is a developing story and we will be coming with further updates.
