The arrest and brief detention of five journalists and a prominent lawyer in Cameroon’s capital has triggered renewed public concern over press freedom, particularly for Anglophone media professionals operating in sensitive environments.
The incident unfolded in Yaoundé when police officers apprehended the group at a premises reportedly linked to the detention of around 15 African migrants recently deported from the United States.
Those arrested were Barrister Awah Joseph Fru, a well-known Cameroonian lawyer, journalists Randy Joe Sa’ah, a seasoned freelance reporter and long-time BBC correspondent, Nalova Akwa, a stringer with the Associated Press, Angel Ngwe, an Associated Press photojournalist, and Arnold Ndal, an Associated Press videographer.
According to information gathered from colleagues and rights advocates, the journalists were carrying out their professional duties when they were intercepted by security officers. They were subsequently taken to the Judicial Police headquarters in Yaoundé, where they underwent hours of interrogation.
During this process, police confiscated all their working equipment, including cameras, mobile phones, and laptops. Authorities reportedly accused the journalists of engaging in unauthorized activities such as taking photographs and video recordings. However, no clear or formal charges were communicated to them, leaving the legal basis of the arrests uncertain. The lack of transparency surrounding the accusations has fueled criticism from media professionals and civil society groups.
Tensions escalated further following reports that one of the detained journalists was subjected to physical abuse while in custody. Witnesses allege that the journalist was beaten and kicked, eventually collapsing on the floor of a detention cell. As of publication, there has been no official response from the police regarding these allegations.
Later the same day, the journalists and the lawyer were released from detention. Despite their freedom, all confiscated gadgets remained in the custody of the authorities, raising additional concerns about the ability of the journalists to resume their work and about the broader implications for media freedom.
The arrests prompted a wave of reactions on social media, with journalists and activists rallying around messages such as “Journalism is not a crime” and warning against a return to past practices targeting Anglophone reporters. Many observers stressed that the incident echoes previous crackdowns and urged authorities to ensure that history does not repeat.
Cameroon has long been under scrutiny from international press freedom organizations over the treatment of journalists, particularly those covering politically or socially sensitive issues. Analysts say the Yaoundé arrests, even though brief, underscore the fragile relationship between security forces and the media.
As calls grow for accountability and the return of the seized equipment, media advocates insist that respecting freedom of expression and protecting journalists remain essential pillars of democratic governance and the public’s right to information.
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