Yaoundé, Cameroon- Several global journalist organizations are lamenting over the death of Martinez Zogo, the director of private radio station, Amplitude FM.
Zogo’s mutilated body was found on Sunday, five days after he was abducted by unidentified assailants.
The director had recently been talking on air about a case of alleged embezzlement involving a media outlet with government connections.
“We are shocked and horrified by the kidnapping and brutal killing of journalist Martinez Zogo in Cameroon. The Cameroonian authorities have an obligation to swiftly and thoroughly investigate this crime. Authorities must determine who was responsible, what their motive was, and bring them to justice.
In addition to fully investigating Zogo’s murder and securing justice, the Cameroonian government must put all necessary measures in place to ensure that critical journalists are safe and protected and able to carry out their work,” said the International Press Institute’s Director of Advocacy, Amy Brouillett.
Moreso, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Africa, called for the government to conduct a thorough investigation on the matter.
“CPJ calls for an independent, transparent, thorough and credible investigation into the abduction and murder of journalist Martinez Zogo. Impunity for crimes against journalists in Cameroon must end and his killers, including those who ordered and executed, must be brought to justice,” said CPJ Africa.
In addition, the National Union of Journalists of Cameroon (Snjc), said an unacceptable line had been crossed, adding that journalism is not a crime.
“Snjc condemns the assassination of host Martinez Zogo. An unacceptable line has been crossed. The government must do everything to end the insecurity of journalists,” read a statement from Snjc.
Cameroon is one of many countries across the continent, from Burkina Faso to Ethiopia to Equatorial Guinea, where journalists complain that media freedoms are under threat from authoritarian governments.
