By Hilltopvoices
Meeting in Douala for the Elective General Assembly on June 24, 2022 for the election of a new leadership, the Cameroon Journalists’ Trade Union (CJTU) focused activities on building a credible press in Cameroon. More than ever before, the union of journalists and related media workers has been engaged in several advocacy actions for the rights of journalists and promoting ethical journalism practice. Speaking in several instances, the National President of CJTU has stated that a credible press is essential for a democratic society. The move has been further amplified by limited legal structures protecting the press.
“Despite the fairness of the constitution of our country towards freedom of expression, there is still a general atmosphere of fear considering that a basic offence like defamation is still considered criminal with the potential for long term imprisonment and huge fines. The harassment of Journalists and related media professionals has been recurrent and by that we think that there is need for an improved environment especially in legislation in favour of freedom of expression. “Marion said
According to Marion Obam, this provides citizens with reliable information about issues of public interest. After elections, the National Executive Bureau has met with the Ministers of Labour and Social Security and Communications with focus on improving the working conditions and protection for journalists and related media workers in Cameroon. Issues raised in all the meetings include wages, job security and protection from harassment or intimidation. The Marion Obam led executive has been clear on matters of ethical journalism practice with stronger measures put in place to ensure adherence to the union. So far, training has been organized for female media workers in the South and Center with the hope of expanding to other parts of the country. This is to ensure members are producing accurate and reliable content and staying safe on and offline.
The advocacy for press freedom has been loudest since January following the brutal murder of Yaoundé based radio broadcaster Martinez Zogo. The intention has been to push for the protection and safety of journalists and related media professionals to be protected from censorship or government interference.
Issues of diversity and representation has been key to the union. Just like the intentional release of all documents in English and French being official language in Cameroon, the President has made a national tour with the hope of ensuring the representation of all in the union especially the improvement of women in leadership positions.
The 2023 World Press Freedom day has been a landmark with 80per cent of the chapters staging giant celebrations nationwide. The Media week involved several activities intended to protect and assure a future for journalism with visit to training schools.
To seek for better partnerships and training opportunities, the Union leadership has met with Diplomats and heads of missions in Cameroon
To push for better working conditions, on May 31, 2023, the trade union nationwide submitted a denunciation of the of the collective convention for media professional to the ministry of labour and social security.
The constant effort has however met challenges including the organization of the South West and East regions of the country.
Effort are underway to get the South West and East regions organized and ensure the union works for the wellbeing of all media professionals.
As a membership based organization, Journalists and media professionals have been encouraged to belong so as to facilitate work for the one year old leadership.
Some of the activities by current leadership of the CJTU in pictures
