As Cameroon drifts closer to the October 12, 2025 presidential election, stakeholders are pulling up their socks to ensure that the process is hitch-free. Among the main actors are journalists who walk on slippery ground due to the complexity of their job during such crucial moments.
It is against this backdrop that the Network of Newspaper Owners of Cameroon better known by its French acronym REPAC, is calling for the protection of journalists covering the election.
In a recent statement, the body noted that journalists play a crucial role in informing and educating the public on the electoral process and it is incumbent on the powers that be; civil society actors and political parties to protect them from undue pressure and threats before , during and after the polls.
“This period of political tension can also entail risks. REPAC calls on all stakeholders, including the authorities, candidates, and civil society actors, to respect the work of journalists and guarantee their safety,” the statement signed by the organisation’s president, François Mboke said. “Harassment, threats, and violence against media professionals are unacceptable and must be denounced and condemned”, it stated.
REPAC has also cautioned journalists to respect the ethics and deontology of their profession by fact-checking their information, and ensuring balanced and fair reporting.
“Furthermore, we also encourage journalists to practice their profession with rigor and ethics. Objectivity, fairness, and the truthfulness of disseminated information are essential to strengthen public trust in the media,” REPAC said in the statement urging journalists to adhere to ethical standards while demonstrating courage and determination in their work.
REPAC is an umbrella organization that brings together newspaper owner in the country with aim to provide a framework for interactions and meetings to unite their voices and create synergy to better defend their interests, those of their employees, and to collectively benefit from opportunities that would make their outlets true press enterprises.
Cameroon currently ranks low in the protection of journalists in the world.
First published in NewsWatch newspaper No 214 of Monday, July 28, 2025
