The Cameroon National Communication Council (NCC) has announced sanctions against several journalists affiliated with private press outlets, barring them from practicing in the country. The decision, made during the 41st ordinary session on February 21, reveals that the NCC has resolved two cases by dismissal, issued warnings in two instances, and suspended three journalists for violating professional and ethical standards in mass communication. The duration of the suspensions ranges from one to two months.
Among those facing suspensions are Thierry Patrick ONDOUA, the publisher of “Le Point Bihebdo,” Nicolas Atanga, a journalist with “Le Point Bihebdo,” and Monayong William from “L’Elite.” In a statement that he signed, NCC President Joseph Chebonkeng Kalabubsu expressly forbade these people from working in journalism in Cameroon while they were under suspension.
Concurrently, the NCC has issued a warning to NJIAYOUOM Thobie Christian II, a journalist at “My Media Prime TV” and publisher of “L’Elite.” The council dismissed charges against the print media organ “L’Activateur” and its publisher, Engelbert MFOMO, while also dropping a case against the print media organ “Investir au Cameroun” and its publishers, Aboudi OTTOU Aristide and Frédéric Nonos, who are journalists with the same outlet.
Various individuals, including FAÏ-YENGO Francis, National Coordinator of the Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) Committee; FONGU Peter Taka, a 2nd Grade Police Inspector at the 18th District Public Security Police Station in Yaounde; and Bertrand MBOUCK, CEO of DANGOTE CEMENT CAMEROON S.A., were among those who brought their cases to the NCC for trials.
This marks the second instance of the NCC imposing bans, the first being the one directed at The Post Newspaper and its publisher in September 2023. However, the effectiveness of these sanctions remains questionable, as the NCC relies on the Ministry of Territorial Administration for implementation.
