Wife of Activist and Former TV Anchor Michel Ngatchou Arrested

Cameroonian activist and former Anchor at Equinoxe Television, Michel Ngatchou, says his wife has been arrested in connection with his anti-regime activism.

This comes hours after authorities issued a warrant of arrest against Ngatchou, accusing him of calling for insurrection against the state.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Ngatchou states: “My dear, wherever you read this, stay strong. They don’t realize they’ve made the worst mistake of their lives by targeting you.

“Keep your spirits high! Look to the Cameroonian people, not to the men who are afraid and trying to intimidate you. Our children and grandchildren also deserve better living conditions, just like the rest of the children of our nation.”

Ngatchou has been active on Facebook recently and strongly believes President Paul Biya’s government is manoeuvering to exclude popular opposition leader Maurice Kamto from the 2025 presidential race.

The election management body, ELECAM, is set to publish the final list of selected candidates out of 83 submissions this Saturday afternoon and unconfirmed reports on social media hint to the rejection of Kamto’s cadidacy.

In numerous posts on his online platforms, he has been asking Cameroonians to storm the streets if Maurice Kamto is kicked out of the Presidential race.

“Cameroonian youth from all 10 regions, our fathers fought for us; now it is time to fight for our children to hand them the Cameroon we all dream of—beautiful, great, and prosperous,” he wrote in one of his posts.

“This day is our day. We must not retreat, despite the tactics of their thugs. The power of our numbers will prevail against the 500 men holding us hostage.”

Ngatchou’s calls for protest are already playing into the hands of the Biya regime, which is well-known for silencing activists, journalists and opposition voices during its 42-year hold on power.

MMI