Cameroon Radio Television Allocates 29 Billion CFAF for 2024 Amidst Claims of Propaganda and Political Worship

In a recent development, the Board of Directors of the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) has greenlit a budget close to 29 billion CFAF to fund the corporation's operations for the upcoming year, 2024. This decision was announced by CRTV Board Chair and Cameroon's Minister of Communications, Rene Emmanuel Sadi.

Established in December 1987, CRTV, a government-controlled radio and television service, has been a prominent player in shaping the narrative in Cameroon. However, the channel has not been without controversy, often accused of being utilized by regime agents as a tool for political propaganda.

The link between CRTV and political figures, particularly President Paul Biya, has been a subject of scrutiny. Biya, who has been in power for decades, is often portrayed in a quasi-deity light by his supporters. Critics argue that this portrayal is not organic but rather a result of calculated efforts by the president's inner circle to maintain favor.

One striking example of this phenomenon occurred in 2017 when a report on CRTV likened President Biya to Jesus. The rhetoric reached new heights in 2019 when a CRTV commentator described Biya's return to Cameroon after protests in Geneva as "comparable to the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem."

Minister Atanga Nji Paul took it a step further by quoting Bible verses to reinforce the idea that Biya's leadership is divinely ordained. Such overt religious rhetoric has become a recurring theme in justifying Biya's presidency.

It seems that within the political landscape of Cameroon, expressing gratitude to the head of state is akin to a not-so-secret password. Phrases like "We thank the head of state" or "Thanks to the head of state" are regularly uttered by party politicians, almost serving as a prerequisite for political ascent.

While the allocated budget for CRTV's operations is undoubtedly substantial, questions linger about the channel's independence and its role in shaping public opinion. The convergence of political and media interests raises concerns about the impartiality of information disseminated to the public.

As Cameroon moves into 2024, the intersection of politics and media at CRTV continues to be a focal point for those scrutinizing the nation's democratic landscape. The correlation between budget allocations, political narratives, and media portrayal underscores the complex dynamics at play within the corridors of power in Cameroon.