A Profound Hunger for Change in Cameroon: The pivotal role of Media

By Nfor Hanson Nchanji

The compelling letter from Eric Chinje, addressed to media professionals and social media influencers in Cameroon, highlights the nation’s critical state as the 2025 election year approaches. Chinje’s message underscores the escalating political, economic, and social crises plaguing the country, asserting that “inaction is no longer an option”.

The letter reveals a widespread sense of despair among many Cameroonians, who often lament, but do nothing, saying, “Cameroon is Cameroon. What can we do?” This sentiment, described as a kind of fatality, suggests a surrender of hope for true national development.

The Veteran journalist and former state media, CRTV’s pioneer editor, Eric Chinje, paints a vivid picture of a “political jungle” where citizens, from graduates and medical professionals to teachers and farmers, face dwindling prospects and pervasive struggles.

He points to clear symptoms of decline: governance weakened by vested interests, an economy grappling with corruption and mismanagement, and a society fractured by tribalism. He was not speaking as Eric Chinje, but on behalf of The Cameroon New Vision Group, a group of concerned Cameroonians who yearn to see positive change in the country.

Despite these formidable challenges, Chinje emphasizes the media’s unique power to influence the narrative, bring clarity, and ensure accountability, thereby guiding the nation toward a prosperous future. As the presidential election draws near, he called for an urgent national assessment, a debate on development options, and credible solutions from leaders. He notes that fear of electoral fraud has cast a shadow, discouraging open debate and limiting the emergence of new ideas, leading to growing public disillusionment and a shrinking space for constructive discourse.

In this crucial context, Chinje argues that “the role of the media becomes even more crucial”. He urges a refocusing of the national debate on essential issues: governance, economic recovery, social stability, and the future of democracy. He implores media professionals to challenge forces that stifle debate, denounce mechanisms perpetuating political stagnation, and amplify the aspirations of the people. This is not a call for sensationalism, but a plea for a renewed commitment to journalism that informs, seeks solutions, and provides facts untainted by political allegiance, Eric emphasised.

Chinje challenges media professionals to self-reflect: “Are we truly serving the public interest, or are we mired in the same dysfunctions we denounce?” He stresses the importance of providing in-depth analysis rather than merely relaying crisis noise, and fostering dialogue and accountability.

Eric Chinje asserts, “History will judge how the Cameroonian media responded to this moment. Let us not be spectators, but standard-bearers of truth”. He called for a reclaiming of the profession’s highest ideals for the sake of the nation’s future, urging everyone to contribute their part—a moment for “soul-searching” and “action”.

Media refocus on national issues

The Cameroon New Vision Group hopes that the media will take action and report on the identification of an ideal leader; the profile and job description for Cameroon’s next president, and finally, refocusing on national issues rather than personalities and scandals. Instead, the media has been urged to refocus on the country’s problems and their potential solutions proposed by all Cameroonians.

Recently, certain issues like football have taken away the reasoning of Cameroonians who are now grouped in opposing camps, and this has reduced discussions on national issues that can bring change. Week after week, the media have been focused on these trivial issues, forgetting the picture picture.

These are some of the issues the Cameroon New Vision Group has advised the media to avoid, but focus on the upcoming polls by making informed articles, reports, and debates about the profile of the next CEO of the “Cameroon Enterprise.”