Cameroon has dropped one place in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on May 2, now ranking 131st out of 180 countries.
The decline reflects persistent concerns over the safety of journalists and the fragile state of press freedom in the Central African nation.
Despite boasting a vibrant media landscape, Cameroon continues to be labelled by RSF as one of the most dangerous countries for journalists. The country now ranks behind nations like Somalia, underscoring the serious risks faced by media professionals.
Cameroon is home to 760 registered media outlets, according to a map published by the National Communication Council (CNC) in February.
These include 232 print publications, 93 television stations, 129 commercial radio stations, 169 community radios, 72 online outlets, and 65 cable networks.
On the surface, this diverse ecosystem might suggest a country supportive of free expression.
“There is, on a daily basis, a certain freedom of tone in newspaper headlines and a plurality of views across radio and TV broadcasts,” notes journalist Ludovic Ngoueka.
However, this apparent openness is undermined by deeper structural and political constraints.
The media industry suffers from poor funding, a weak advertising market, and widespread unprofessional management practices.
These challenges have left many outlets vulnerable, while journalists operate under the constant threat of censorship or reprisal.
“The sword of Damocles hangs over the head of the Cameroonian journalist,” Ngoueka adds, pointing to the recurring pressure from the Ministry of Territorial Administration and the CNC.
These authorities have repeatedly cracked down on coverage of sensitive political issues, suspending programmes like Droit de réponse on Équinoxe TV—decisions often made without room for appeal or replacement programming.
Cameroon’s international reputation has also been tainted by high-profile cases of violence against journalists.
The extrajudicial killings of Martinez Zogo and Samuel Wazizi remain unresolved and continue to cast a long shadow over the country’s human rights record.
These incidents, say press advocates, contribute significantly to the country’s low ranking by RSF.
While media pluralism in Cameroon remains visible, it is increasingly clear that the country’s press freedom is held back by an environment where intimidation, impunity, and institutional constraints remain pervasive.
