Laureates of the CAMASEJ maiden North West Media Forum
By Neba Jerome Ambe
The media landscape of Cameroon’s North West Region may be at a turning point following the successful organisation of the maiden North West Media Forum, held in Bamenda from January 15 to 16, 2026. Convened under the theme “Reviving the Media: Reclaiming Dignity, Rebuilding Journalism, Renewing Hope,” the two-day forum brought together journalists, public authorities, media trainers and student reporters to confront long-standing challenges undermining the credibility and welfare of the fourth estate.
At a time when the Region continues to grapple with the effects of protracted socio-political unrest, the forum provided a rare platform for open dialogue on unsafe working conditions, job insecurity, declining professional standards and the erosion of public trust in the media. Beyond diagnosing the problems, participants focused on practical responses aimed at restoring dignity to the profession.
NW Gov encouraging media practitioners during the closing ceremony
Representing the Minister of Communication, the Regional Delegate of Communication for the North West, Njike Celestine, commended the Cameroon Association of English-Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ) Bamenda Chapter for what he described as a bold and necessary initiative. He acknowledged the “open wounds” within the media sector, citing poor remuneration, the absence of employment contracts and precarious working environments faced by many journalists.
According to him, the outcomes of the forum could serve as a blueprint for broader reforms. He expressed hope that the Bamenda meeting would inspire a future national media forum to address journalists’ rights, responsibilities and working conditions across Cameroon.
Prioritize collaboration over rivalry
Sah Terrence Animbom: CAMASEJ Bamenda Chapter President
From a national perspective, CAMASEJ President, Viban Jude, described the forum as a timely intervention in a Region marked by insecurity and economic hardship. He warned that unsafe conditions and fragile finances continue to expose journalists to manipulation and ethical compromise. Calling for unity within the profession, he urged media practitioners to prioritize collaboration over rivalry.
For the Bamenda Chapter of CAMASEJ, the forum marked the realization of a long-standing vision. Chapter President, Sah Terence, said the event came at a critical moment, particularly as the country approaches key electoral milestones. He underscored the responsibility of the media to counter hate speech, misinformation and xenophobia, especially in a fragile, conflict-affected environment.
Governor welcomes promotion of solutions journalism
Cross section of journalists during the opening ceremony
The forum concluded with an award ceremony recognising outstanding and credible journalists for professionalism and ethical reporting. Presiding over the closing session, the Governor of the North West Region, Adolphe Lele Lafrique, praised CAMASEJ Bamenda for organising what he termed an innovative and forward-looking initiative. He pledged the administration’s support and welcomed the promotion of solutions journalism as a constructive tool for addressing community challenges.
“I consider myself part of this profession,” the Governor remarked, recalling his early background in journalism before joining public administration. He noted that pressure from “left, right, top and bottom” helps keep journalism upright and accountable. While reiterating government efforts to restore peace, he emphasized that grassroots engagement and responsible reporting remain indispensable.
Discussions throughout the forum centered on concrete measures, including improving journalists’ working conditions, defending press freedom, promoting conflict-sensitive reporting and exploring a collective social security mechanism for media practitioners.
As the curtains fell on the maiden North West Media Forum, participants agreed that the gathering had done more than highlight problems. It charted a practical path toward ethical, solution-driven journalism, offering renewed hope that the fourth estate can reclaim its dignity and play a constructive role in rebuilding trust and peace in the Region.
