Cameroon Journalists Join Force to Fight the Gruesome Murder of Colleague Samuel Wazizi

SNJC-CAMASEJ Joint Statement on the Death of SAMUEL WAZIZI 

The Cameroon Journalists Trade Union, SNJC and the Cameroon Association of English-speaking Journalists, CAMASEJ have learned with indignation, the death of their colleague Samuel Ajiekah Abuwe alias ‘Wazizi’ alias ‘Halla Ya Matta’ Journalist at Chillen Muzik and Television (CMTV) in Buea. 

Arrested on August 2, 2019, our colleague was detained at  the Muea police station before he was smuggled to an unknown destination.  

He is said to have died at the (Yaounde) Military hospital during this secretive pre-trial detention. 

The SNJC and CAMASEJ hereby announce the creation of a COLLECTIVE FOR JUSTICE on this death. 

This collective, extends its sincere condolences to his family. 

The collective, demands the constitution of a commission of inquiry by the Cameroonian authorities to shed light on his death and requests that the family and public opinion to be clarified on: the exact date of his death, the place where the corpse is presently kept as well as the circumstances of his death, not later than 6 PM, June 4, 2020. 

Faced with such inhumanity and barbarism, the collective: 

Strongly and categorically condemns the murder of this journalist, which is one too many,  

Denounces this revenge-seeking behaviour of authorities and the army on the journalist; 

Recalls that this act is a violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, an integral part of the Constitution of Cameroon, in its articles 3, 5 and 11 which stipulate: 

Article 4 

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and the security of person. 

Article 5 

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. 

Article 11 

1.Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.  

2.No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed. 

Is outraged by the silence of public authorities, thus giving a blank cheque to the authors of this villainous crime; 

Taking as witnesses the people, national and international opinion, the collective, scandalized by the silence of all institutions in Cameroon, expresses an energetic protest and calls on all journalists and communication professionals to act and condemn this act of murder which is one too many and to remain mobilized for further actions.  

Enough is enough! 

Denis Nkwebo                                    Viban Jude,  

National President, SNJC             National President,CAMASEJ 

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