“There Can Be No Democracy Without Genuine Freedom to Inform and Be Informed” Issa Chiroma Bakary

The president-elect of Cameroon, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has accused authorities of undermining press freedom, warning that democracy in the country is at risk without an independent media.

In a message marking World Press Freedom Day, Mr Tchiroma said recent sanctions against journalists covering the post-election period appeared “politically motivated”, particularly those reporting on alleged irregularities in the October presidential vote.

He reiterated his rejection of the official results that returned incumbent Paul Biya to power, claiming the outcome did not reflect the will of voters.

“Press freedom cannot exist where fear prevails,” he said, adding that journalists must be able to operate safely and independently in order to hold leaders to account and enable citizens to make informed choices.

Mr Tchiroma also pointed to long-standing challenges in the media sector, including limited funding and stalled reforms.

He referenced proposals made during his time as communications minister, such as the creation of a media support fund and a professional regulatory body, which he said were never fully implemented.

Despite this, he expressed hope that reforms could still be realised, insisting that the role of the media remains “essential and fundamental” to any democratic system.

Cameroon has continued to face repeated criticism from press freedom groups over restrictions on journalists, particularly during periods of political tension.

Currently, at least 5 journalists have been jailed in Cameroon, while many continue to face intimidation.

Across Africa Cameroon has remained at the bottom of Reporters Without Borders’ press freedom index classification and is still being described as a hostile environment for journalists.

MMI News