Journalists in Cameroon have been urged to prioritise their safety in the discharge of their duties. The call was made during a symposium on human rights and press freedom jointly organised by the Yaounde Chapter of the Cameroon Association of English-Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ) and the United Nations Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa (UNCHRD-CA).
The symposium, held at the UNCHRD-CA premises in Bastos, Yaounde, on Monday, May 4, formed part of activities marking the 2026 World Press Freedom Day. It brought together over 30 journalists, human rights officials, and civil society actors.
Speaking during the event, Kiven Fonyuy, Programmes Officer at UNCHRD-CA, cautioned journalists to place their safety above all else, especially in situations that could threaten their lives.
“There’s no renowned or good journalist in the grave. You must be alive to defend press freedom,” he said, drawing from his experience as a journalist.
Addressing the challenges faced by journalists in Cameroon, CAMASEJ National Secretary General, Amindeh Blaise Atabong, lamented that existing legal and regulatory frameworks significantly constrain press freedom in the country.
He cited censorship, economic hardship, harassment, restricted access to information, and gender-related barriers as key factors hindering the effective practice of journalism.
While acknowledging that female journalists face additional challenges, Dr. Evelyne Mengue A Koung, President of the Union de la Presse Francophone (UPF) Cameroon Chapter, criticised what she described as unprofessional conduct by some women in the field, including inappropriate dressing and attitudes. She noted that her observations were based on over 27 years of newsroom experience.
Participants were also trained on best practices for promoting social cohesion, with particular emphasis on fostering peace, especially during periods of crisis.
Despite the risks highlighted, experts encouraged journalists to remain dynamic and adaptable, adjusting to evolving circumstances in their line of work.
The symposium concluded with a series of recommendations aimed at improving the media landscape. Media organisations were urged to review newsroom policies to reduce workload pressures while promoting collaboration and professional growth.
Journalists were also encouraged to exercise caution in their use of social media and to maintain professionalism, including appropriate dressing, in the workplace.
In addition, stakeholders called for increased training opportunities to help journalists enhance their skills, particularly those operating in conflict-affected areas.
Cameroon marked the 2026 World Press Freedom Day with a decline in global rankings. According to Reporters Without Borders, Paul Biya’s country dropped two places to 133rd out of 180 nations in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, scoring 40.88 points.
