The government organ, in charge of media regulations in Cameroon has once again sanctioned some press men and organs for violating ethics of the journalism profession. The Cameroon National Communication Council (NCC) which is led by its President, Joe Chebongkeng Kalabubse, issued a press release on February 21st 2024, just after it’s 41st ordinary session. The release carries names of some journalists and press organs flouting the canons of the profession with corresponding interventions by the NCC. The 41st ordinary session by the NCC that examined cases ended with two warnings, two dismissals and three suspensions.
Suspension
Two months suspension of Mr Thierry Patrick ONDOUA, Publisher of the print media organ “Le Point Bihebdo,” and Nicolas ATANGANA, journalist of “Le Point Bihebdo”. Their grievance include the publication of unfounded statements accusing Mr FAI-YENGO Francis, National Coordinator of the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration Committee, for poor management of the DDR centres. The NCC examined that, the journalists of “Le Point Bihebdo” failed to comply with the professional requirements of investigation, balance, and cross-checking before publishing information about the DDR official.
The NCC, suspends Mr MONAYONG William, journalist with “L’Elite” Print organ from practising journalism in Cameroon for one month, for the offense of using the word “monkeys” to describe NDONG EBOZO’O Daniel, President of the CPDM Section of la vallée du Ntem III
Dismissal
Dismissal of the case against “L’Activateur” Newspaper and its Publisher Mr Engelbert MFOMO, filed to the NCC by Mr Bertrand MBOUCK, CEO of DANGOTE CEMENT CAMEROON S.A. The case involved a news item on Mr Bertrand MBOUCK as the beneficiary of a piece of land illegally seized from a land title holder, Mrs ABENA Lucie. The case was dismissed as the NCC noted that the Publisher of “L’Activateur” complied with professional requirements of investigation and cross-checking of information.
Dismissal of the procedure launched by Mr AWANA ATEBA Michel, Chief of the Executive Office of ENANGUE HOLDING SARL, against the print media organ “Investir au Cameroun”, its Publisher, ABOUDI OTTOU Aristide and Frédéric Nonos, journalists of the orhan. The Plaintiff filed a complaint with the Council following the publication of an online article on 22 August 2023 bearing information he deemed as insinuating, which is likely to undermine the image of the company he runs, claiming that Russian authorities intervened in his process of obtaining a licence from the Minister of Transport for YANGO to operate in Cameroon. However, the NCC, following an objective analysis of facts backed by convincing documents, noted that the authors of the offending article complied with the professional requirements of investigation and cross- checking of information meant for public consumption and decides to dismiss this case.
Warning
The NCC in the press release warns the publisher of “L’Elite”, a print media organ. He is warned because a journalist of his media organ, whose name MONAYONG William is used offensive words against NDONG EBOZO’O Daniel, President of the CPDM Section of la vallée du Ntem III.
The Ncc also served a warning to Mr NJIAYOUOM Thobie Christian II, journalist at “My Media Prime TV”. He is warned for failing to comply with the professional requirements of cross-checking and verification of information. The offender during the programme dubbed “Kondre news” oon 27 October 2023, used the picture of FONGU Peter TAKA, 2nd Grade Police Inspector at the 18th District Public Security Police Station in Yaounde, instead of the picture of a person called AWA Titus. The journalist also broadcast demeaning remarks against the Second Grade Police in the course of same programme.
By Mildred Ndum Wung Kum
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