The continuing discrimination – bordering on persecution of the Anglophone population in Cameroon is continuing largely unreported, however some good news came out today in that TV editor & Journalist Mimi Mefo Takambo has been released from Jail after being arrested by the Cameroonian Military.
She was taken into custody and charged by a military court on 8th November for allegedly committing a ‘state security’ offence,- which in this case as posting fake news (a Civil offence and a matter for the Civil Court even if true).
Her actual “crime” was to report on the continuing clashes between the Army and Militia groups driven by the discrimination English speaking groups are facing. She also allegedly posted fake news linking the tragic death of local missionary Charles Wesco to the Cameroonian Army. Given he was killed in the crossfire between the army and Militia so its hard to see how that allegation was fake news. Probably fearing an international backlash President Paul Biya ordered the case to be shelved.
Cameroon is a pretty corrupt country at the best of times and what actually appears to be happening is that the powers that be are sending a message to the countries journalists “keep quiet or else”.
Africa News have reported that since the presidential election on 7th October, at least six journalists have been arrested in Cameroon; two of which remain in Prison
