The Cameroon Journalists' Trade Union (CJTU) has raised an alarm on a potential threat to press freedom in the Far North Region of Cameroon. The union signed a release to that effect on Tuesday 11 April 2023. Here is the complete release signed by the National President Comrade Marion Obam
STATEMENT BY THE CAMEROON JOURNALISTS' TRADE UNION (CJTU)
No to intimidation and other threats against journalists in the Far North of Cameroon
The National Executive Bureau of the Cameroon Journalists' Trade Union
(NEB/CJTU), has just been informed by its Far North regional chapter of death threats made on Monday April 4, 2023 by the City Mayor of Maroua against her members.
These intimidations and threats come as a result of a publication by our comrade Ousman Alh Boubakari Sali, on March 30, 2023,
on the facebook page called Baba infos, under the title: _*“Maroua-voirie urbaine. Boulevard de Kakataré: chantier abandoné»*_
Before witnesses including Journalist Aminou ALIOUM,
correspondent of Canal 2 International, who the The City Mayor called a beggar, made this sentence: _*you, journalists, you attack me, I'm going to kill you..*_
At a time when the press is still mourning Martinez ZOGO, CJTU cannot remain indifferent to these death threats coupled with irreverent injunctions and other forms of blackmail.
This recidivist authority declares that for having taken care of journalists suffering from AIDS, she deserves to be spared by them.
Faced with the seriousness of these remarks made one month before the celebration of the 30th International Press Freedom Day, NEB/CJTU
- Strongly condemns these actions which is rather intended to break the thermometer instead of treating the fever
- Holds the City Mayor of Maroua, now accountable for the safety of CJTU members in particular and all journalists in the Far North in general.
- Calls on national and international opinions to witness bear witness to these threats on
freedom of expression;
- Recalls that under such conditions, the local press finds itself dificult to work.
- Reserves the right to take legal action in the event that this type of threat occurs again.
- Reaffirms the commitment of CJTU members to inform national opinion and
Convention on Activities of Public Interest;
- States that any other form of threats or intimidation will be brought by the press to national and international opinion.
May the solidarity of all be the guarantee of everyone's safety!
Douala, April 8, 2023
For NEB/CJTU
Marion Obama
National President