Conference Page: The Challenge of Reporting the Truth in Cameroon

Douala, Cameroon, March 7, 2008

INTRODUCTION

Chi Ernest Cho, Deputy Editor in Chief of Equinox TV in Douala, Cameroon, was my primary point of contact in organizing The Media Project's first conference for journalists in Cameroon.

I quickly discovered that Chi was a celebrity in Douala, constantly being recognized by a number of taxi drivers during my few days in the country.   Chi is also distinguished as one who has experienced police brutality and detention as a journalist and the main anchor person for news.

In late January 2008, Cameroonian authorities closed down the private Equinox TV “because they were critical of the government.”  Equinox TV was suspended because of its very independent reporting and programmes.  The government admits the reports were stimulating but charged that they incited rebellion and violence. The closure provoked widespread protest in Douala, where Equinox TV is based.

It is even believed that the suspension was one of the factors contributing to the February 2008 general strike against rising food prices, the cost of fuel and constitutional amendment.  The protests left over one hundred people dead.

The government claimed that the closure was prompted by the illegal nature of the operation of the TV station. In Cameroon, the official procedure required for electronic media to operate is to submit a written application and a deposit of CFA Franc 50 million.

In late June 2008 the government agreed to let the TV station re-open after considerable pressure from diplomatic sources in Cameroon. Equinox TV will be back on the air in late August.