BRUSSELS — The European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of five Cameroonian journalists—Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior, and Tsi Conrad—citing systemic violations of press freedom and human rights in Cameroon.
Passed by a show of hands on April 3, the resolution urges Cameroonian authorities to uphold press freedom, especially in the lead-up to the country’s 2025 presidential elections. It also calls on the European Union and its member states to leverage diplomatic and economic influence to advocate for human rights improvements in Cameroon.
The detained journalists have faced various charges, including terrorism, secession, and spreading false information, often tried in military courts—a practice the European Parliament condemns as inconsistent with international law. The resolution highlights concerns over the use of anti-state and ‘fake news’ charges to silence dissenting voices.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists, have welcomed the resolution, viewing it as a significant step toward addressing press freedom violations in Cameroon. They emphasize the need for continued international pressure to ensure the safety and release of journalists facing persecution.
As the 2025 elections approach, the European Parliament’s resolution underscores the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression and the press in Cameroon, urging both national authorities and international partners to take concrete actions to protect journalists and uphold democratic principles.
