The debate over press freedom and public access to information has flared up in Cameroon following revelations that the National Communication Council (NCC) has allegedly instructed audiovisual media outlets to suspend election debate programs during the official two-week presidential campaign period.
In an open letter dated September 23, 2025, Mbaku Jude, a prominent audiovisual journalist based in Buea, directly addressed NCC President Joseph Chebonkeng Kalabubse, seeking clarification on what he describes as a directive with “complex implications” for media practitioners and the democratic process.
Mbaku’s letter, widely circulated on social media, raises six key questions for the NCC: the context of the directive, its scope of application, the legal basis, the degree of enforcement, its intended benefits for democracy, and its impact on press freedom. He warns that suspending debates risks “confusion, mistrust, or the perception of censorship” at a time when Cameroonians most need clarity to make informed choices.
“Debate programs are not only platforms for political exchanges but also essential tools for helping citizens make informed decisions,” Mbaku wrote. “If such programs are to be suspended, the rationale, legal instruments, and safeguard measures must be clearly communicated.”
He further highlighted the challenges faced by journalists in the South West Region, where press freedom is already under pressure amid security concerns.
The open letter has sparked reactions from across the country, notably from Dr. Nick Ngwanyam, creator of the “3rd Option” political movement, who publicly endorsed Mbaku’s concerns.
In a sharply worded commentary, Dr. Ngwanyam criticized what he described as the NCC’s “CRTV control genes,” accusing the council of stifling public discourse.
“The best would have been to have the contestants debate and tell Cameroonians why they want to be President,” Ngwanyam argued. “Why do you want an ignorant population to vote? What are you afraid of? Are you scared of lies or truths that would be told?”
Ngwanyam urged the NCC to answer Mbaku’s questions transparently, suggesting that failing to do so would only fuel public mistrust. He linked the move to broader issues of governance and public participation, warning against what he called “knees on the necks of the population.”
In his expanded commentary, Ngwanyam posed additional questions about the government’s past initiatives, including the Major National Dialogue (MND) of 2019.
“Was the Major National Dialogue truly a dialogue or just a monologue?” he asked. “Who were the two parties at the so-called genuine round table meeting? And what lessons were learned from that exercise?”
He challenged the NCC to explain whether its instructions were “all backed by law or whether some came from the kitchen.”
The NCC has yet to issue an official response to Mbaku’s letter or confirm whether such a directive was formally communicated to media outlets. The controversy has reignited debate about the role of the media during elections, press freedom, and citizens’ right to political information.
With the October 12 presidential election just weeks away, many observers see this as a critical test of Cameroon’s commitment to transparency and democratic principles.
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