Journalist Henry Kejang of Canal 2 International was arrested in Douala, Cameroon, after refusing to comply with what he describes as an extortion attempt by gendarmes. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Cameroon, where arbitrary arrests and demands for bribes remain a concerning reality.
According to reports, Henry Kejang, former head of the English desk at Canal 2, was apprehended while returning from a rehearsal for the Essoh Attah cultural festival. Despite his explanations regarding his presence at this cultural event, the gendarmes took him to the Bojongo brigade, in the 4th arrondissement of Douala. Kejang reported on his Facebook page that the officers asked him to "do something," an expression he interprets as an invitation to corruption, which he categorically refused to give in to.
This arrest comes in a context where press freedom organizations regularly denounce the pressure and intimidation exerted against journalists in Cameroon. In 2024, the National Union of Journalists of Cameroon (SNJC) identified more than a dozen cases of abusive arrests of journalists across the country. These incidents underscore the risks faced by media professionals who seek to practice their profession freely.
The arrest of Henry Kejang highlights the need to ensure the protection of journalists and to fight against corruption within law enforcement. Freedom of the press is an essential pillar of any democratic society, and it is imperative that journalists can practice their profession without fear of retaliation or intimidation.
The Kejang affair is not an isolated case, but is part of a series of incidents that raise serious concerns about respect for freedom of the press in Cameroon.
