Interior Minister faces backlash over media censorship
By Wilson Musa
Yaounde, Cameroon(CNA) The Minister of Territorial Administration, Atanga Nji, has faced widespread criticism for his recent order restricting media coverage of the President’s health. The move, seen as a blatant attempt to stifle freedom of expression, has sparked outrage among journalists, opposition politicians, and human rights advocates.
In a statement issued on October 9, 2024, Minister Nji instructed regional governors to “create monitoring services” to track and record all media discussions about the President’s health. Any such discussions, he declared, were “formally prohibited.”
The Minister’s order has been widely condemned as a violation of the constitutional right to freedom of expression and information. Critics argue that the President’s health is a matter of public interest and that citizens have a right to know about their leader’s well-being.
Opposition MP Jean Michel Nintcheu has been particularly vocal in his condemnation of the Minister’s actions. In a statement, Nintcheu accused Nji of “catastrophic management” of various government responsibilities, including the ORCA rice scandal, COVID-19 funds, and disaster relief efforts. He urged the Minister to focus on his duties and refrain from interfering with the media’s role in informing the public.
The Minister’s order has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to democratic principles and its respect for fundamental human rights. Critics fear that the move could set a dangerous precedent, allowing the government to restrict media coverage of other sensitive topics in the future.
