- President
Biya’s 2013 decree applied at last
 |
| Laurent Esso |
 |
| Issa Tchiroma |
The minister
of state for Justice, Laurent Esso and his colleague of communication, Issa
Tchiroma Bakary, have jointly signed a communiqué publishing a shortlist of
private newspapers authorized by government to publish official announcements
and legal notices from government. The joint communiqué published in the
national daily, Cameroon Tribune of 24 March, carries a list of 36 daily and
weekly newspapers that are illegible to publish official announcements for the
year 2014.
The decision thus brings an end
to the monopoly that was enjoyed by Cameroon Tribune in the publication of
official announcements. Cameroon Tribune had enjoyed this singular privilege
for over 20 years. It was Prime Minister Simon Achidi Achu who signed a
decision during his tenure urging all government ministers to give
announcements only to Cameroon Tribune for publication. That was when the
government was facing a serious financial crisis and could not provide
subvention to Cameroon Tribune.
With the fortunes of the country
now better, President Biya thought it expedient to correct the obnoxious
decision. The president signed a decree no 2013/234 of 18 July 2013 ordering
that private newspapers should also be given public announcements for
publication.
The joint communiqué by Laurent
Esso and Issa Tchiroma also fixed the price rates for the publications in
private newspapers. But Media owners say it is preposterous for the ministers
to take upon themselves to fix the prices without consulting other stakeholders
in the decision.
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