Journalists’ Trade Union Denounces Increased Threats Against Press Freedom in Cameroon

The Cameroon Journalist Trade Union (CJTU) has strongly condemned incidents of threats and intimidations ganged up against the press corps in Cameroon.

In a communiqué signed this Tuesday, October 2, 2024 by its President, Marion Obam, CJTU highlighted several instances where journalists faced intimidations, sanctions, and restrictions on their work by administrative authorities and security forces that threaten press freedom in Cameroon.

The declaration specifically called out the decision by the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) of Mfoundi, Emmanuel Mariel Djikdent, which led to press restrictions in Yaoundé.

CJTU also pointed out a recent decision by the National Communication Council (NCC) to impose sanctions on many media organs and journalists, ranging from warnings to six-month suspensions.

“Journalists presenting debate programs on TV and radio were particularly targeted with intimidation and threats,” Obam Marion said.

Financial burdens on journalists

The Trade Union equally frowned at recent crackdown in the enforcement of a new finance law, which mandates that journalists pay 100,000 FCFA for accreditation to cover any event in the country. It describes the requirement as a severe infringement on press freedom, especially considering its financial burden on media outlets that already struggle to pay salaries.

Tensions heightened in September when seven journalists from the Far North were summoned by intelligence services. Additionally, journalists from Galaxie TV, Radio FM Bénoué, and Radio Salaaman were also subjected to police interrogations.

The trade union calls on the government to protect press freedom and reduce the financial burdens placed on the press. They also urged journalists to boycott government events if these oppressive policies continue and called on international bodies to witness the ongoing repression of the press in Cameroon.

Mimi Mefo Info