The journalists and communicators of the West region, under the banner of the West regional section of the Cameroon Journalists’ Trade Union (CJTU), paid tribute this Wednesday, January 25 to their murdered colleague, Martinez Zogo.
Media men from the eight departments making up the West, and beyond, gathered at the UCCAO esplanade in Bafoussam, all dressed in black, to mourn the presenter and station manager of Amplitude FM whose the body was discovered on Sunday January 22 in an advanced state of decomposition in Ebogo III, in the suburbs of Yaoundé.
Gathered in numbers with candles, the men and women of the media carried signs on which one could read the following messages: No to the Killing of Journalists”, “Justice for Samuel Wazizi”, “Justice for Martinez Zogo and others“, “ Journalists are neither your predators nor your prey“.
During the gathering, an inter-religious prayer session was also organized to ask for the rest of his soul and for God to free the press from the hands of the oppressors.
” We have received news confirming the assassination of our colleague Martinez Zogo by men who work in the dark and against freedom of expression and opinion“, said Leopold Ngeulo, general coordinator of the West Media Club who was also part of the rally.
” It is certain that the Zogo was killed because he was carrying out his duties. We gathered today in Bafoussam to condemn in the strongest possible terms this act which once again confirms that freedom of expression, opinion and the press is still sorely lacking in our country.“, added Leopold Ngeulo.
He went on to ask the competent authorities to open an investigation and bring the culprits to justice.
” We, men and women of the media, will not relax our efforts. Yesterday it was Samuel Wazizi, today it’s Martinez Zogo, tomorrow whose turn it will be? »
CJTU West Regional Chapter President Rene Mbonjeu meanwhile called on journalists in the West to work with professionalism while joining his voice with others in condemning the act.
” Today we have decided to dress in black to show our concern over the tragic death of our comrade. Now the question is who will be the next target“.
” Many journalists have been attacked on several occasions, even at the entrance to their homes. We also take this opportunity to offer our sincere condolences to the bereaved families.“, he concluded.
The profession of journalism in Cameroon has become very risky, as many have received death threats for investigating and reporting facts about high-ranking figures, as was the case for Martinez Zogo.
Samuel Wazizi disappeared and was never seen again. Paul Chouta, who was revealed by undisclosed sources to be next in line, has been beaten to death multiple times. Others were forced into exile.
