Consortium of journalism associations - SW region

Mindful of the fact that a majority of journalists exercising in The South West Region are English speaking;

                Taking into cognisance the fact that Cameroon is constitutionally bi-jural, bi-cultural, and bilingual;

                Mindful of the fact that the South West Region is essentially Anglo-saxon with majority English speakers;

                Considering the need to transmit credible information to the public, void of nuance;

                 Aware of the Prime Ministerial Decree for all official documents to be in both official languages;

Proud of our unity in diversity;

                Committed to preserve our nationhood for posterity;

                We journalists practising in the South West Region observe with dismay, the continuous slaughtering and annihilation of the English Language in almost all public gatherings and communiqués.

                We have observed with utter dissatisfaction the non-translation of important documents into English during seminars, workshops, meetings especially when chaired by administrative officials. This is in violation of the high instructions of the Prime Minister, Head of Government.

                We note that this turn of events has frustrated many journalists who find it difficult to translate and communicate effectively to their audience.

                We have also noticed that some overzealous administrators use French Language as form of intimidation against journalists.

                After hoping that administrative officials will act in good fate;

                After a careful analysis and following the recent developments in the two Anglophone regions where teachers and Lawyers are demanding a strict respect of our bi-cultural nature, we will not be indifferent.

 Thus:

                Any reporter or reporters who find themselves in such a situation with French documents without English versions in any official gathering will storm out of the meeting and the event will be given a media blackout.

                That we consider the exclusive use of French by some administrators as colonial dictates;

                State that any further marginalisation of English speaking journalists during the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope will lead to a boycott of the event;

                That we count on the good will of those concerned;

                We renew our confidence and respect for state institutions in the hope that our grievances will be promptly and fairly addressed.

                WE hereby call for an ALL ANGLOPHONE JOURNALISTS’ CONFERENCE in the days ahead./

Done and signed in Buea this 11th Day of December, 2016.

KUM LEONARD

For Cameroon Journalists’ Trade Union – CJTU/SNJC South West

TARHYANG ENOWBIKAH TABE

For the Cameroon Association of Media Professionals – CAMP

SIR NYAMBOT DIVINE

For Cameroon English Speaking Journalists – CAMASEJ Kumba Chapter

BOUDDIH ADAMS

Adviser

ATIA AZOHNWI

Rapporteur

Cc:

-              Minister of Communication – Yaoundé

-              South West Governor – Buea

-              South West Regional Delegate for Communication – Buea

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