Cameroon bans discussing president’s health as absence fuels speculation
GuardianOct 13
Cameroon Bans Media From Discussing President's Health
Above: President of Cameroon Paul Biya. Image copyright: Lintao Zhang/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has imposed a ban on media discussions regarding the health of 91-year-old Pres. Paul Biya, who has not been seen in public for more than a month.
According to a leaked official document addressed to regional governors, "the head of state is the principal institution of the republic, and discussions on his condition are a matter of national security."
The Spin
Narrative A
The government's ban on media discussion of President Biya's health is necessary to maintain national security and prevent the spread of unfounded rumors. Speculation about the president's condition could lead to unnecessary panic and instability in the country. The government has the right to protect sensitive information related to the head of state.
Narrative B
The media ban clearly violates press freedom and the public's right to information. Cameroonians have a legitimate interest in knowing about the health of their 91-year-old president, who has been in power for over four decades. This censorship raises concerns about transparency and democratic governance in Cameroon.