By Marie N. Carnu
The recent passing of prolific journalist and author Suzanne Kala Lobe on August 1, 2024, has left a deep void in the hearts of many in Cameroon’s media community.
Known for her courage, outspokenness, and unwavering dedication to truth, Suzanne was a figure who inspired countless journalists.
In recognition of her legacy, a group of Cameroonian journalists has come together to honor her memory through a tribute book titled “Éternelle,” published by MUTO Magazines under Tila Editions.
The tribute book features personal reflections and heartfelt anecdotes from journalists who had the privilege of working with Suzanne.
They recount their experiences with a woman who not only shaped their careers but also left an indelible mark on the field of journalism in Cameroon.
Michele Esso, a prominent news anchor and journalist at CRTV (Cameroon Radio Television), initiated “Éternelle” as a way to pay homage to Suzanne.
Michele shares a deeply personal and emotional reflection on her bond with Suzanne, describing it as an unbreakable sisterhood forged over more than 20 years of shared experiences.
“So here I am, staring at a blank page, amid a crisis between my brain and emotions… I can just imagine you laughing and your eyes sparkling with amusement, your sly smile…
“Shaking your head, as if to say, ‘Come on, Mich! Get on with it!’ And, as always, you take the lead, saying with a laugh, ‘She’s the author, and she’s trying to hide!’ You point me out, making sure no one misses it…
“But that was the whole point – now I have no choice but to own up to a journey filled with love and heartbreak, agreements and disagreements, but also an unbreakable and visceral bond of sisterhood. A debt of solidarity that’s almost impossible to ignore, unchanging.”
Among the 22 journalists who contributed to the book is Marie-Roger Biloa, a Cameroonian magazine editor and journalist.
She highlights Suzanne’s immaterial legacy, describing it as “bits of shared knowledge to enlighten minds, open them up to the realities of their own lives and those of the world, strengthen critical thinking and the ability to analyze, especially at a time when choices have to be made.”
Marie-Françoise Ewolo, another Cameroonian journalist, pays homage to Suzanne as a fierce defender of equality and social justice, writing, “Tribute to you! To the woman who defended equality and social justice to the point of becoming an icon. You defended these ideals with strength against men.”
Dr. Evelyne Mengue A Koung, an iconic Cameroonian journalist and TV editorial director at CRTV, also contributed a tribute, praising Suzanne’s unique style, courage, and ideas, which inspired an entire generation of journalists.
She recalls Suzanne’s evolution from a rebellious and nonconformist writer to a gentle and delicate voice, while expressing her regret for unfulfilled promises and missed opportunities to spend time with her before her passing.
“I’m left with unkept promises and missed appointments! I made the mistake of thinking she was unsinkable until that August 4th, 2024 morning! She claimed to be an atheist. I believed in her. And I still believe that the Master of life, ‘Nyambè,’ won’t hold it against her!”
