Cameroonian Barrister Akere Muna condemns government’s media censorship on Biya’s health

Renowned Cameroonian Barrister Akere Muna has issued a scathing condemnation of the government’s recent attempt to censor media discussions about the President’s health. In a statement released today, Muna called the Minister of Territorial Administration’s order a “clear violation of our constitution and totally out of the purview of the competence of his ministry..”

Muna emphasized that preserving the image of the President does not superceed that of Cameroon. He warned that the government’s actions could have serious consequences for the country’s reputation.

“Since the communique was issued i have spent a good part my time responding to international organisations and human rights activists from different parts of the world. They thought it was fake or a bad joke.” Muna said on his official Facebook page.

Muna’s statement comes as the government faces growing international criticism for its crackdown on media freedom. Human rights organizations and foreign gbodies like Committee to Protect Journalists have condemned the Minister’s order as a violation of basic human rights principles and repression of the press in Cameroon.

“The Cameroonian government should simply put the rumors to rest by arranging a public appearance by the head of state,“ said Angela Quintal, head of CPJ’s Africa program, in New York. “The health of the president, who has been in power for 41 years and may seek re-election next year, is of public interest. Any misguided attempt to censor reporting about his health for national security reasons simply fuels rampant speculation.”