Cameroon’s Press Freedom Situation Raises Concerns Ahead of Presidential Election
As Cameroon prepares for its presidential election on October 12, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has released a damning assessment of the country’s press freedom situation. The report highlights the major obstacles to journalism in Cameroon, citing ten key points that illustrate the gravity of the situation. With President Paul Biya, 92, seeking an eighth term, the organization is calling on the future president to prioritize press freedom and ensure Cameroonians have access to information.
The report notes that five journalists have been killed, including Martinez Zogo, who was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered in January 2023. The trial against secret service members and a businessman close to the government began on September 2, 2025. Additionally, Samuel Wazizi, a journalist with Chillen Music Television, died in custody in 2019 under unclear circumstances. His death was concealed by authorities for nearly ten months.
Amadou Vamoulké, the former director of Cameroon’s national radio and TV broadcaster, has been arbitrarily detained for nine years and sentenced to 32 years in prison on wrongful accusations of embezzlement. The 75-year-old journalist suffers from several medical conditions and has been recognized for his integrity by his peers.
The Cameroonian government has also been accused of censorship, with any media discussion on President Biya’s health prohibited in the name of “national security.” The National Communication Council (NCC) has issued suspensions and warnings to media outlets, including a six-month ban on the satirical newspaper Le Popoli. The NCC’s lack of independence is a concern, with its nine members appointed by decree of the President of the Republic.
Cameroon ranks 131st out of 180 countries and territories in the 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index, reflecting the authorities’ lack of effort to improve the situation and the hostile climate encountered by media professionals. The country has fallen 48 places in twenty years, with a significant drop in press freedom. Ahead of the presidential election, the authorities have demonstrated their ability to hinder journalists’ work, with repeated accusations and threats against media outlets, including Equinoxe TV, one of the most popular private channels in Cameroon.
The situation has raised concerns about the safety of journalists in Cameroon, particularly in the English-speaking regions, where they operate in a state of complete insecurity. The RSF report emphasizes the need for the future president to address the pressing issue of press freedom and ensure that journalists can work without fear of persecution or censorship. With the election approaching, the international community is watching closely to see how the situation will unfold.
