When news of the launch of a Pro-Maurice Kamto Television broke out earlier this week, many who haven’t heard from the no-nonsense Cameroonian political leader took it a joke. Some even called him a sleeping dog that has gone comatose after his failure to consolidate his self declared victory in the last presidential election of October 7th 2018.
After the online launch of RTV- Renaissance Television on Friday December 28th in the country, the next big launch event is scheduled for the United State of America, USA, this monday December 31st. The name of the media outfit, “Renaissance” TV is derived from Maurice Kamto’s “Cameroon Renaissance Movement” CRM Party. The mission of the TV as explained by the proprietor, is to reshape, orientate and refocus the mindsets of Cameroonians towards good Governance principles. The National Youth leader of the party, Awasum Mispa, earlier this week indicated to the STANDARD MIRROR that, the political icon will be celebrating New year with the vulnerable Children in Yaounde, capital city of the country. To her, such lofty initiatives and others, provides media content for RTV that will reshaped the minds of young Cameroonians.
The Ace International lawyer is already tipped as one of Cameroon’s finest opposition leader to have dared the 36 years old Biya regime, when he first declared himself winner of the 2018 presidential election. His legal battle at the country’s constitutional council, earned his MRC party a 14.23%, second to Paul Biya’s 71.28%. Kamto’s public and press outings have been under scrutiny by the Government of Cameroon after his move to take over the Etoudi Presidency failed.
Kamto declares himself victor , October 2018
The speedy proliferation of Anti-Government media in Cameroon is becoming a hot Potato in the hands of the government. In just about a year, Proponents of the separation of the North West and South West Regions (Ambazonian State) of Cameroon, have created two television channels. The SCBC ( Southern Cameroon Broadcasting corporation) and the ABC (Ambazonia Broadcasting Corporation) with pro separatist agendas. Online radios too have had their own effects in exacerbating the ongoing crisis in these two region.
Government authorities like Communication Minister, Issa Tchiroma Bakary has on several occasion, caustioned Cameroonians not to watch these channels for they only aid in jeopardising national unity andĀ Patriotism. The military was ordered to dismantle satellite dishes of inhabitants who watch the channels in the restive Anglophones regions the early days of their broadcast. The president of the National Communication Council, NCC, Peter Essoka on his part, has continually called on media practitioners to avoid hate speech and violent information that can cause unrest. Afrique Media was sent packing out of Cameroon for it’s anti Government editorial lines. Last week, some media organs and journalists were sanctioned by the council for unethical and non professional blunders towards the state. Many journalists have gone to prison for serving anti Government news. Many media structures in Cameroon function under “administrative tolerance” (Clandestine known by Government) making it hard for the press to have freedom.
Freedom of press is still a problem in Cameroon. Many now watch to see what hopes, and changes the Pro-Kamto Movement, Renaissance Television will bring.Mbaku Jude
STANDARD MIRROR 