A leading Cameroonian statesman, Sir Dr. Barr. Ntumfor Nico Halle, has called on journalists in Cameroon to uphold truth, integrity, and courage in a wide-ranging address to mark World Press Freedom Day.
Speaking in Douala, Cameroon's economic capital, on Sunday, May 3, 2026, Sir Dr. Barr. Ntumfor Nico Halle, an international peace crusader, veteran lawyer, and former Bar president, celebrated the media as a cornerstone of democratic life while warning of the pressures and risks facing the profession.
“Today is your day. It is our day,” he told journalists, describing the press as indispensable not only to Cameroon but also to the wider world.
‘The mirror of society’
Sir Dr. Barr. Ntumfor Nico Halle argued that the media plays a unique role in holding power to account, describing it as the “mirror” through which citizens assess the performance of the government. While governance is typically divided into executive, legislative, and judicial branches, he said the press stands apart as a force that scrutinizes all three.
“For me, the media is not the fourth estate, it is the first estate,” he said, stressing its influence on political, economic, and cultural progress. He echoed the long-held view of Thomas Jefferson, a former US president who championed a free press as essential to democracy.
Pressures and challenges
The address highlighted the difficult conditions under which many journalists operate, including financial instability, limited access to verified information, and threats to personal safety. “The media faces intimidation, harrassment, threats, and even elimination,” he said, noting that such conditions can weaken the quality of reporting. He warned that a lack of resources may sometimes contribute to misinformation, disinformation, and what he described as "malinformation," urging media professionals to remain vigilant.
A warning from history
Citing the Rwandan genocide, the anti-corruption crusader and celebrated independent voice of the Northwest region pointed to the dangers of irresponsible journalism. He said the events of 1994 illustrated how media narratives, when misused, can fuel division and violence.
Character over credentials
A central theme of his message was the importance of personal integrity in journalism. Drawing on a recent engagement with media practitioners, he distinguished between "aptitude," professional training, and "attitude," which he described as the true determinant of success.
“Attitude defines character, integrity, dignity, and honour,” he said, urging journalists to build careers grounded in ethical values. The superclass election expert and advocate against xenophobia and hate speech cautioned against corruption, manipulation, and the pursuit of influence at the expense of truth, calling on reporters to reject “unscrupulous” practices.
Truth, faith, and responsibility
Sir. Dr. Barr. Ntumfor Nico Halle, a native distinguished elite from Awing in Santa Subdivision, framed truth as both a professional duty and a moral principle. “Truth brings peace. Falsehood brings chaos,” he said, encouraging journalists to reflect on the broader impact of their work on society. He also appealed for reporting that promotes unity, urging the rejection of hate speech, xenophobia, and division.
A message of encouragement
Closing his address, he commended journalists for their dedication, often in difficult circumstances and with limited financial reward. “Be bold, be courageous, and never yield to intimidation,” he said.
He ended with a message of solidarity and celebration for media professionals in Cameroon and beyond, wishing them success and protection as they continue their work.
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