Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
The National Communication Council (NCC) of Cameroon has sanctioned three journalists and suspended several television programs following its regular session on March 20, 2025. The regulatory body cited ethical breaches, misinformation, and inflammatory remarks as reasons for its decisions.
1- Cédrique Nding’s recieves three month suspension: pJournalist Cédrique Nding has been suspended for three months due to two separate incidents. The first involves former Prime Minister Peter Mafany Musonge, who was falsely presented as the owner of Beta Consult during an episode of 10-12 LE ZÉNITH on Equinoxe TV, aired on January 8, 2025. Despite internal measures taken by the channel, the NCC imposed a one-month suspension on Nding and issued a warning to the station’s publication director, Séverin Tchounkeu.
The second case is related to a complaint from Avanti SA Cameroon, who accused Nding of spreading misleading information about its rice brand, Big Joe. The journalist had suggested that the product might contain harmful substances, but the NCC found the report lacked proper investigation. As a result, the council extended his suspension by two additional months.
2- Duval Fangwa and “DROIT DE RÉPONSE”
Duval Fangwa has been suspended for two months following the airing what was considered by the NCC as provocative and defamatory remarks against a Cameroonian citizen on March 2, 2025, during DROIT DE RÉPONSE on Equinoxe TV. The NCC ruled that the comments violated ethical journalism standards, therefore the program itself has been suspended for one month, and the TV channel also received a formal warning.
3- Parfait Ayissi and “LIBRE EXPRESSION”
Parfait Ayissi has been suspended for one month, alongside the TV program he hosts LIBRE EXPRESSIONS. The decision follows controversial statements made by politician Abel Elimbi Lobe during a broadcasts of February 23 and March 9, 2025. Lobe’s remarks were deemed offensive toward the late independence leader Ernest Ouandié and wlso considered “conflict-provoking” by the NCC. The council stated that the comments disrespected national historical figures and encouraged divisive sentiments against state institutions. In addition to the suspension, the CEO of the TV channel broadcasting the show received an official warning.
These sanctions by the regulatory comes at a time where many expected to have responded to some comments a long time before now, with many even questioning the NCC’s credibility. But as the saying goes it is better later than never, with hopes that this he suspensions serve as a reminder to media professionals of the importance of accurate reporting, fair commentary, and respect for ethical guidelines in Cameroon’s media landscape.
