Josiane Kouagheu, journalist with Reuters and his driver were arrested today in Dakar, Douala, while covering the pacific walk organised by Hon. Jean Michel NINTCHEU.
Reporters say they were whisked to the Bonanjo security unit – DST. The Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ has launched a campaigns on social media for the release of the journalist and her driver.
“Confirmed @josianekouagheu is being detained. Her driver was arrested earlier while waiting for her & other journalists covering the #Douala protests. Josiane went to check on him after a policeman answered his phone & she too was arrested. #Mimimefo237 @africatechie @IFEX” the African Program Coordinator of CPJ, Angela Quintal wrote on tweeter.
On his part, the President Syndicate of Cameroon Journalists-SNJC, Denis Nkwebo in a release this afternoon described her arrest as unlawful and an attack on the press;
“The Cameroonian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Josiane Kouagheu and her driver.
The journalist working for Reuters and other foreign media, was arrested this Sunday, October 21 in full coverage of a march scheduled by MP Jean Michel Nitcheu.
The SNJC regards her arrest as an act of kidnapping and a useless desire to take journalists for easy targets:
Denis Nkwebo, President of SNJC wrote.
The investigative journalist cum blogger was arrested alongside several other Douala youths who mobilised for the protest.