The Cameroon National Communication Council (NCC) says the media is fanning flames of hate and violence, cautioning media houses to divert from unethical practices.
In a press release signed by its president, Joseph Chebonkeng Kalabubsu, the NCC says it has observed, through its monitoring program, that media houses are spreading hate and violence.
It added that there is a widespread abuse of language and uncouth views directed at individuals, public and private institutions on local media.
The NCC boss stated that such behavior neither adheres to the media’s triple duty of informing, educating, and enhancing social cohesion, nor promotes professional and ethical standards guiding journalism.
He equally reminded the media organs that, though the NCC does not determine the editorial policies of media houses, it does not give room for hate.
“In a bid to not infringe on the freedom of the press and speech, it does not fall within the Council’s remit to question the editorial policies of media organs nor to get involved in their choice of panelists,” he said.
He added that, when freedom of expression repeatedly takes the form of hate speech and abusive language, this infringes on professional and ethical standards.
He promised to ruthlessly sanction this, henceforth, mainly through a temporary or permanent suspension of media programs at fault.
“The Council has observed that the recurrence of unprofessional behavior is likely to seriously undermine Cameroon’s image within its territory and on the global scene,” he added.
Joe Chebonkeng underscored that the NCC still reserves the right to request international editors, who relay programs of local media organs that are notorious offenders of professional misconduct, to withdraw them immediately from their broadcast bouquets.
NCC Mentions no Media Organs
The NCC did not mention, like in the past, which particular media organs are reportedly spewing hate and encouraging violence in their programs.
Recent media debates in the country have focused on the 2025 presidential elections and the possibilities of 91-year-old President Paul Biya standing for another mandate.
Media debates have also expanded on the outing of some Roman Catholic Bishops in the country who called on the President to not seek another mandate.
The NCC is seemingly not okay with the way media outlets have been running such discourse.
The institution warning against media organs comes as Cameroonians prepare to head to the polls in October to choose a new President.
Undoubtedly, they need information and diverse views in order to make their decisions and this is possible if the media is free to report, comment and analyse issues.
There are fears that the NCC’s latest warning is part of the government’s broader attempt to censor the media and restrict freedom of expression.
