With an industry described as “in agony,” the Cameroon Journalists' Trade Union (CJTU) has begun a series of engagements with presidential candidates ahead of the 12 October 2025 election.
On Tuesday 16 September, CJTU National President, Marion Obam led a delegation to meet with Hon. Joshua Osih, Chairperson of the Social Democratic Front (SDF). Their working session centred on the multiple difficulties that weigh heavily on the profession, ranging from poor pay and unsafe working conditions to the absence of a legal framework that guarantees journalists’ security.
A memorandum detailing these challenges was formally presented to the SDF leader. Hon. Osih welcomed the initiative, describing it as a tool that offers him both a “cross-sectional and in-depth view” of the state of the Cameroonian press. While he noted that some issues were already captured in his political programme, others such as the non-implementation of the 2008 collective labour agreement and the urgent need for a press protection law would now be incorporated, thanks to CJTU’s contribution.
Also present at the meeting were the President of the Cameroon Sports Journalists Association and the Littoral focal point of the Union de la Presse Francophone, indicating the broad professional backing for the demands.
The conversation reflects a shift from lament to action. By confronting political actors with the realities of the media’s decline, journalists and related media professionals are seeking not only acknowledgement but also policy commitments. If such pledges translate into enforceable reforms, the profession could move from the margins of survival towards stability.
For Cameroonian democracy, the impact of such a shift would be profound. A secure and fairly treated press corps is more likely to deliver independent, credible reporting, helping citizens make informed choices at the ballot box and beyond. For journalists, this advocacy signals that their collective voice is no longer confined to the newsroom but is pressing into the very heart of political decision making.
By Hilltopvoices Newsroom
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