Calls to confront the long-running culture of impunity for attacks on journalists gained fresh momentum in Bamenda on Wednesday 5 November, as civil society leaders and lawyers pledged to work with the Cameroon Journalists’ Trade Union (CJTU) to push cases forward and protect media workers in the region.
Participants at the commemoration
The gathering at Alliance Française Bamenda marked the 2025 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, but the tone was far from ceremonial. Conversations quickly shifted from remembrance to strategy, reflecting frustration with stalled investigations, rising threats and growing online abuse of female reporters.
In a region already strained by conflict, speakers said journalism has become a high-risk profession, especially for women.
“In the North West Region, journalists are not strangers to assault, kidnapping and harassment... Now, AI-driven harassment adds a new layer of danger. Ending impunity is not optional.” said Ruth Che Wachong, president of the CJTU North West Chapter.
Ruth Che Wachong, President CJTU NW
The theme this year focused on the rise of AI-facilitated gender-based violence targeting women journalists, an emerging threat that panellists said is spreading faster than existing safety systems and legal protections can keep up.
The turning point of the gathering came during the panel discussion, where legal and civil society voices declared readiness to actively fight back. GBV activist Clotilda Andiensa called on telecom operators and internet platforms to step up protections for women online. Legal expert Barrister Shu Rogers set out available legal provisions against GBV, stressing that journalists must report violations and pursue justice. Digital rights advocate Colbert Gwain warned that technology is accelerating the spread of harm, making swift legal and civic response essential.
Panelists
Journalists Stella Mbuh and Clenice Ayombom shared experiences of offline threats, online abuse and navigating a male-dominated reporting environment. They urged female journalists to prioritise safety and solidarity.
The ceremony also featured the reading of a message from the CJTU National President, Marion Obam, delivered by senior journalist Choves Loh. The national leadership warned that 2025 has been one of the deadliest years for media professionals globally, with more than 200 journalists reported killed and very few cases seeing justice. The message drew links to Cameroon’s own painful record, citing unresolved killings including those of Samuel Wazizi and Martinez Zogo, and urging authorities to accelerate investigations and enact stronger legal protections for the press.
Messages by Marion Obam and Ruth Che Wachong called on journalists to remain united, honour colleagues who lost their lives and resist intimidation in all forms. It urged the government to “take its responsibility” in safeguarding journalists and prosecuting those behind attacks, while appealing for solidarity within the profession and closer collaboration with civil society and legal actors.
“We will continue to inform. We will continue to resist. We will continue to fight for truth and justice,” the national president stated.
Judith Gisele Meno Fogue, Director Alliance Française
Alliance Française Director Judith Gisele Meno Fogue reaffirmed ongoing support for media freedom initiatives as her institutions continues to promote values of a responsible society.
Participants at the event outlined key recommendations including improving digital-safety skills, pursuing legal redress for attacks, demanding legislative protections and building stronger partnerships between media, lawyers and civil society.
Participants at the commemoration.
It is expected that this could mark a subtle shift in a region where many killings and assaults have faded from public record without consequence. For journalists in Bamenda, the fight against impunity now appears to be moving from the conference hall into legal and civic arenas, where its impact will be tested in the months ahead.
By Hilltopvoices Newsroom
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