Barred from Truth: The Cameroon BAR remains silence as Ministers continuously violate the country's Constitution

In a surprising move, Cameroon's Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Njei, has issued a ban on all media outlets from discussing the health of President Paul Biya.

This decision comes at a time when many are deeply concerned about the president's well-being, especially since he has not been seen in public for over a month. Given that President Biya is 91 years old, this absence has sparked a flurry of rumors and speculation, including unverified claims about his health and even his death.

This ban has raised serious eyebrows and has been widely criticized as a major violation of press freedom and the public's right to know. By labeling discussions about the president's health as a matter of "national security," the government is effectively stifling any public conversation on an issue that is crucial to the nation's leadership and stability. This action fits into a troubling pattern of suppressing free speech in Cameroon, where media outlets often face restrictions and censorship.

Adding to the concern is the silence of the Cameroon BAR Association, an organization that typically champions legal rights and freedoms. Their lack of response to this issue raises important questions about the role of legal institutions in protecting press freedoms in the country. This silence could be seen as either complicity or a reluctance to challenge the government on matters of civil liberties.

The government's ban has only intensified public speculation about President Biya's health. Many citizens feel left in the dark, unsure of what to believe regarding their leader's condition. The lack of transparency has created an atmosphere of distrust, where rumors can spread unchecked. While the government insists that the president is in good health, the prolonged absence has only deepened the public's anxiety and skepticism.

The ban on media discussions about President Paul Biya's health is a troubling development for Cameroon, highlighting ongoing issues related to freedom of the press and the right to information. As this situation continues to unfold, it is vital for civil society and legal entities to advocate for transparency and accountability in governance. Citizens deserve to be informed about the health and status of their leaders. The Bar Association's silence on this matter is particularly alarming, as it suggests a potential weakening of legal protections for press freedoms in the country.