by US Army Korea – IMCOM

Anne Marie proudly sings “Freedom, freedom, praise be to God Almighty, we are free” as Cameroon citizens usher in an era of freedom of speech and freedom of the press which Paul Biya, the current head of state can take credit for.

In order to understand why people in Cameroon are really grateful for both freedom of speech and freedom of the press, their independence was marked by special laws which significantly limited citizen’s rights. Before President Paul Biya, Cameroonians then were unable to move freely, hold meetings, organize associations or express themselves freely. During that time, undertaking in either of these things called for arbitrary arrests or imprisonment.

This situation in Cameroon was not any different when it came to press matters. This sector was highly oppressed by the government preceding President Paul Biya especially print media. The few newspapers which were allowed to print them were only able to come up with articles on covered sports and news stories. Any dissatisfaction on the people’s side could not be aired and for many years this was the way things were handled.

This kind of governance would leave a negative impact on Cameroon. Cameroonians could not set up businesses without authorization and this consequently affected the country’s economic development adversely.

In early 90’s Paul Biya, the current President of Cameroun undertook a structural reform to change what was the current justice system of Cameroon. This also touched on the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press, the decree which was enacted during 1962 regarding subversion and the enactment of Law 90 which was freedom of association.

In regards to the press, Law 90 signed by President Paul Biya saw a change of the licencing regime to a reporting regime which was more agreeable. The law brought an end of state monopoly on communication media through the declaration of freedom in audio-visual communication as well as an end to condemnation. The state has been able to create a National Council for Communication, a body which is responsible for implementing and monitoring national policy in communication.

Liberating the freedom of the press in Cameroon has seen a growth of radio, newspapers and television stations. Twenty years later, Cameroon can now boast of having over 700 hundred newspapers which include 20 weeklies, the Cameroon tribune which is the official government’s publication and four dailies which are privately owned.

The current audio-visual setting entails, public network Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV), 40 community radio stations, 50 radio stations which are privately owned and more than ten private TV stations.

The press in Cameroon has a keen interest on politics which it freely reports on. Among the many items that the press brings to attention in Cameroon is the ruling political party whose moves and decisions never escape the critical eyes of journalists.

The President Paul Biya is further working towards liberalizing of the media sector and as a result he has introduced a support fund to help many press organs financially.

On other news, the public authorities are now tolerating private television and radio which has seen a majority operate on regulatory non-compliance. However, there are some problems which arise from dubious services from unprofessional individuals whose conduct can lead to extremes.

The citizens of Cameroon are now enjoying their new freedom of speech and freedom of the press. You can get this from social joints and on the streets where the people are now able to criticize the government of President Paul Biya without any restraints or fear. Freedom of expression to say the least is what all Cameroonians shall enjoy for days to come.

By promoting both the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press, current President Paul Biya can now proudly boast of introducing new democracy and the new dawn of a well-informed nation.

Find more articles and news from Cameroon on our websites at Cameroon-Report.com and CameroonBlog.info

Cameroon-Report.com is dedicated to news in Cameroon. You will find articles about politics, economics, society, sports, culture in Cameroon. As living in Cameroon, or part of the cameroonian diaspora anywhere in the world, cameroon-report.com keeps you informed on a daily basis.

www.CameroonBlog.info presents different opinions openly or editorials about Cameroon and cameroonian diaspora.

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