Colbert Gwain @The Colbert Factor
Eric Chinje, the first Cameroonian journalist to have interviewed President Paul Biya extensively since the advent of Cameroon Radio Television (CTV), has been emphasizing the need for Cameroonian journalists to prioritize the voices of the people over those of power, particularly before, during, and after the upcoming 2025 Presidential election in Cameroon.
With barely four months to go until the high-stakes October elections, the veteran Cameroonian journalist is urging his colleagues across the country to shun political manipulation and stand firm as guardians of truth. He stresses that the public’s right to know must not be sacrificed for political expediency.
In an open letter to media practitioners in Cameroon, Chinje has called on journalists to resist the status quo and champion change in the country. His message highlights the critical role journalists play in shaping the nation’s future, especially ahead of the 2025 elections.
Given his extensive experience in journalism and strategic communications, Chinje’s words carry significant weight. He emphasizes that Cameroonian journalists should focus on national issues, governance, economic recovery, social stability, and democracy, rather than getting bogged down in trivial matters.
By promoting in-depth analysis, dialogue, and accountability, Chinje believes the media can drive positive change in Cameroon. His call to action underscores the importance of professional integrity, fact-based reporting, and a commitment to truth in journalism.
As a seasoned journalist, Chinje’s message serves as a reminder of the media’s potential to influence the narrative and hold leaders accountable. He believes that while politicians may try to shape the narrative, journalists must shape the discourse with courage, conviction, and a commitment to truth.
Chinje’s message is particularly timely, given that the line between information and propaganda often blurs during elections. He urges journalists to be vigilant, critical, and unafraid to challenge those in power.
The letter comes at a time when there is a confidence crisis between the public and the media, with audiences increasingly distrustful of the media. Given the role of journalism in a democracy as a mirror reflecting the true state of affairs, especially during elections, rather than being a megaphone for politicians, Chinje is calling on journalists to resist the temptation of clickbait headlines and sensationalism.
Instead, journalists should focus on in-depth reporting that holds politicians accountable and informs the public. This requires them to refrain from being cheerleaders for political parties and remain watchdogs of democracy, ensuring that power is exercised responsibly and transparently.
In the era of misinformation, journalists must be more vigilant than ever, fact-checking claims and holding politicians accountable for their words and actions. Given that elections are a test of journalism’s integrity, Chinje urges Cameroonian journalists to resist spin, seek facts, and let truth be their guiding light.
With this timely wake-up call from Eric Chinje, Cameroonian journalists are expected to rise to the challenge, uphold the highest standards of their profession, and serve the public interest with unwavering dedication. This is crucial, as Cameroon is at a crossroads and there is a great hunger for journalism to speak the truth and ask tough questions of those vying for the presidency – a job that requires more than just winning a race, but serving the nation with integrity and accountability
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