The Cameroon Journalists' Trade Union (CJTU), through its President Marion Obam, addressed the growing concerns over press freedom, access to information, and financial aid for media organizations at a press conference in Douala on Wednesday 2 October 2024. Speaking on behalf of the National Executive Bureau (NEB), Obam condemned the mounting threats and restrictions imposed on journalists across the country by authorities and security forces.
Obam expressed deep concern over the rising wave of intimidation targeting journalists, particularly in the wake of recent decisions by administrative authorities. The CJTU leader decried actions such as the sanctions imposed by the National Communication Council (NCC) during its 43rd session on August 8, 2024, which led to the suspension of five media outlets and several journalists. These sanctions, the union noted, are part of a broader effort to muzzle press freedom by controlling the content of TV and radio debates and intimidating journalists.
“The pressure on journalists to provide favorable news coverage or avoid inviting critical voices undermines the very essence of press freedom and deprives citizens of their right to unbiased information,” Obam emphasized.
She highlighted incidents in which journalists in the Far North region were summoned by intelligence services in an effort to dictate their news coverage, further evidence of a hostile environment for the press in Cameroon.
Additionally, the CJTU President raised concerns about the recent changes in the country’s Finance Law, which now requires journalists to pay 100,000 FCFA for accreditation to cover events. This measure, Obam argued, not only infringes on journalists' access to information but also places an undue financial burden on media organizations already struggling with limited resources.
"For media companies with insufficient means to meet operational costs, especially salaries, this fee further cripples their capacity to function effectively,” she said.
Obam did not stop at criticizing the financial pressures imposed on media organizations. She also condemned the recent harassment of journalists from Galaxie TV, Radio FM Bénoué, and Radio Salaaman, whose staff members were summoned by police and intelligence officers over their work. Such actions, she said, were unacceptable in a country that claims to uphold democratic values.
CJTU through its declaration, called on the Cameroonian government to respect the principles of press freedom and provide an enabling environment for journalists to carry out their duties without fear of reprisal. The union also demanded that the government pre-pay media outlets for their services to alleviate the financial strain caused by the new accreditation fees.
Obam also used the presser to lament the significant reduction in press aid to private media organizations, from 250 million FCFA to 50 million FCFA, a move that severely limits the capacity of independent media to operate. She urged media owners to remain vigilant and called on journalists to continue serving the public with integrity, despite the escalating pressures.
“Journalists are not the problem; they are part of the solution,” Obam concluded
She encouraged the media to remain steadfast in their role as watchdogs of democracy and advocates for a prosperous nation.
The press conference ended with a firm declaration that CJTU would consider boycotting government events if no action is taken to safeguard press freedom and provide adequate support to media organizations.
By Ngenwie S.
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