Cameroon press freedom under threat as election approaches

Cameroon’s press‑freedom situation is drawing sharp criticism as the country prepares for its presidential election on 12 October. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has issued a damning assessment that outlines ten major obstacles to journalism, underscoring the gravity of the climate in which media operate. With 92‑year‑old President Paul Biya seeking an eighth term, RSF is urging the future president to prioritize press freedom and guarantee Cameroonians access to information.

The report documents the deaths of five journalists, beginning with Martinez Zogo, who was kidnapped, tortured and murdered in January 2023. A trial of secret‑service members and a government‑linked businessman began on 2 September 2025. It also cites the 2019 death in custody of Samuel Wazizi, a journalist for Chillen Music Television, whose demise was concealed by authorities for nearly ten months. Additionally, Amadou Vamoulké, former director of the national radio‑TV broadcaster, has been arbitrarily detained for nine years and sentenced to 32 years on baseless embezzlement charges; the 75‑year‑old journalist, who suffers from several medical conditions, is widely respected for his integrity.

Censorship accusations further tarnish the government’s record. Discussions of President Biya’s health are prohibited under the pretext of “national security,” and the National Communication Council (NCC) has imposed suspensions and warnings on media outlets, including a six‑month ban on the satirical newspaper Le Popoli. The NCC’s independence is questionable, as its nine members are appointed by presidential decree.

Cameroon now ranks 131st out of 180 countries in the 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index, a drop of 48 places over two decades, reflecting authorities’ failure to improve conditions and the hostile environment faced by journalists. In the run‑up to the election, officials have repeatedly accused and threatened media outlets, such as Equinoxe TV, one of the nation’s most popular private channels. The situation is especially dire in the English‑speaking regions, where journalists work in a state of complete insecurity.

RSF’s report stresses that the incoming president must address these pressing issues, ensuring that journalists can operate without fear of persecution or censorship. With the election looming, the international community is watching closely to see how Cameroon’s press‑freedom landscape will evolve.