The Cameroonian network of embassies has created a Media Freedom Coalition Diplomatic Network in Cameroon. The network is bringing together the media community and lawyers around diplomatic missions to work towards an effective freedom of the press in Cameroon.
The announcement of the network was made by the Canadian High Commissioner to Cameroon, Richard Bale.
It was on Monday November 1, 2021 during a ceremony at the residence of the High Commissioner in Bastos – Yaounde.
The network according to the High Commissioner will serve as a platform to exchange with the media, diagnose and address some challenges they face in the profession.
It is equally an important tool within the framework of the fight to end impunities for crimes against journalists.
“We wanted to announce the launch of the network and to engage on the beginning of discussions with the media representatives about how they see their priorities for us. As embassies, there is a certain role that we play with limitations and we are kind of conscious of such limitations. …….we hope to be able to advocate in favour of upgrading media freedom which we all believe works for better governance.” H. E. Richard Bale told News Upfront.
The network of embassies that came up with the Media Freedom Coalition Diplomatic Network is presently represented by 8 diplomatic missions in Cameroon amongst them Britain, Germany, France, and Canada. They are all members of the global coalition for media freedom.
The Media Freedom Network will operate closely with UNESCO in implementing it’s activities. The activities according to Ambassador Richard Bale, of Canada, will be designed subsequently after negotiations and consultations with the different parties concerned.
At the launch of the network, the Cameroon media community seized the occassion to present some challenges faced by the media especially concerning access to information, safety of journalists among others hoping that the network will truly address some of the issues.
Members of the network presented a desire to always meet after say three months to evaluate the path covered.
