Cameroonian authorities banned the media from discussing President Paul Biya’s health following rumors that he had died.
Interior Minister Paul Atanga Ngi told regional governors that the stories “disturbed the tranquility of Cameroonians”.
“Therefore, any debate in the media on the president’s condition is strictly prohibited,” he insisted, and threatened that “violators will face the stern sanctions of the law.”
The 91-year-old leader, who has been in power for more than four decades, has not been seen in public since attending the China-Africa Forum in Beijing on September 8.
Several officials dismissed speculation about Biya’s condition, insisting he was in good health and on a private stay in Geneva, Switzerland.
Ngi said the president’s health was a matter of national security and urged governors to set up units to ensure private and social media comply with the order.
Many journalists in the country said they believed the ban violated press freedom.
“By saying that the president should not be mentioned [health] “In this case, I think it’s a violation of our rights,” a Cameroonian journalist told the BBC on condition of anonymity. He added, “It’s going to really impact how we report because we certainly don’t want to get in trouble with the government.”
The media restrictions have also raised concerns about the safety of journalists in a country where media professionals are often targeted by officials and rebel groups.
In the past, Anglophone separatists have kidnapped journalists, while the government has arrested and detained members of the media.
“Even though I’m worried that they’re going to find me, I’m going to continue reporting because there’s no way I’m going to report without talking about the president’s whereabouts or what might be happening to him. I’m going to continue to do my job,” another reporter said.
In a statement on Thursday, global press freedom group the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged the Cameroonian government to “cease threats of sanctions against private media journalists reporting on the situation and whereabouts of President Paul Biya”.
“The president has been in power for 41 years and may seek re-election next year, and his health is in the public interest. Any review of his health for national security reasons,” said Angela Quintal, CPJ’s Africa program director. Misleading attempts only fuel rampant speculation.
“The Cameroonian government should put the rumors to rest by arranging public appearances by the head of state,” she suggested.
As speculation continues about President Biya’s health, Cameroonians are highly anticipating his return to the country in the coming days, as promised by the authorities.
