Cameroon bans reports on President Biya’s health

Cameroonian authorities have implemented a ban on media discussions regarding the health of President Paul Biya, a move that follows rampant rumors about his possible death. Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji announced that such stories “disturb the tranquillity of Cameroonians,” declaring that any debate in the media concerning the president’s health is strictly prohibited. He warned that “offenders will face the rigour of the law.”

At 91 years old, Biya has been in power for over 40 years and has not made a public appearance since September 8, when he attended a China-Africa forum in Beijing. In response to the speculation about his health, several government officials have asserted that the president is in good health and is currently on a private visit in Geneva, Switzerland.

Nji emphasized that the president’s health status is a matter of national security and urged regional governors to create units to ensure compliance with this media ban, targeting both private outlets and social media. This has drawn criticism from many journalists in Cameroon, who view the ban as a significant infringement on press freedom.

A Cameroonian journalist, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed concerns to the BBC, stating, “By saying that mention should not be made of the president’s situation, I find it an infringement on our rights.” He noted that this restriction would likely affect how journalists report on other issues as they seek to avoid conflict with the government.

The media restrictions have raised alarms about the safety of journalists in a country where media personnel often face threats from both government officials and insurgent groups. In the past, Anglophone separatists have kidnapped journalists, while government forces have been known to arrest and detain members of the media for their reporting.

Another journalist shared, “I will continue to report even though I fear they could track me down, because there’s no way my report will not talk about the president’s whereabouts or what could be happening to him. I’ll continue to do my job.” This reflects a broader sentiment among journalists who are committed to their profession despite the risks involved.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a global organization advocating for press freedom, urged the Cameroonian government to “end its threats to sanction private media journalists who report on the condition and whereabouts of President Paul Biya.” Angela Quintal, head of CPJ’s Africa Programme, emphasized that the president’s health, especially as he has been in power for 41 years and may seek re-election next year, is a matter of public interest.

Quintal argued, “Any misguided attempt to censor reporting about his health for national security reasons simply fuels rampant speculation.” She suggested that the government could quell rumors by facilitating a public appearance by the head of state.

As speculation continues to swirl around President Biya’s health, many Cameroonians are eagerly anticipating his return to the country, as indicated by government assurances. The atmosphere is charged with uncertainty as citizens await clarity on the president’s condition and his plans for the future.

The media’s role in such a context becomes even more crucial, as the public seeks information on leadership stability and governance. However, the imposed restrictions highlight the challenges faced by journalists in Cameroon, raising questions about the balance between national security and the right to free expression.

This situation not only underscores the precarious nature of press freedom in Cameroon but also reflects the broader implications for governance and public trust. The ongoing ban on discussions about President Biya’s health could contribute to an environment of speculation and fear, making it difficult for citizens to engage in informed discourse about their leadership.

As the country navigates this period of uncertainty, the need for transparency and open communication becomes increasingly vital. Whether the Cameroonian government will reconsider its stance on media restrictions remains to be seen, but the voices of journalists committed to reporting the truth will undoubtedly continue to resonate amidst the challenges they face.