Media Freedom in Cameroon Under Threat as Équinoxe Télévision Faces CNC Sanctions

DOUALA, Cameroon — Équinoxe Télévision, one of Cameroon’s most prominent private television channels, is once again under pressure from the country’s media regulatory body, the National Communication Council (CNC).

The latest move comes just two weeks after the station was ordered to suspend its flagship debate program, *Droit de Réponse*, known for its unrestrained and often critical discussions of government policies. Now, a replacement program designed to bypass the suspension has also been banned.

Équinoxe Télévision initially believed it had devised a clever solution to the CNC's order. In place of *Droit de Réponse*, the channel aired a new show, *237, Le Débat*, in the same Sunday time slot. The new program followed an almost identical format, featuring a panel discussion on current events, and the tone remained critical of government actions. However, the CNC quickly intervened, seeing through the maneuver.

In a strongly worded statement, the CNC condemned the new program as a clear attempt to "undermine the scope of measures" previously imposed on the channel. The regulatory body ordered Équinoxe Télévision to cease broadcasting *237, Le Débat*, asserting that the station had failed to comply with prior directives aimed at reining in what the government describes as "biased" content.

The decision has sparked controversy within Cameroon’s media circles, with many journalists and observers accusing the CNC of silencing dissent. Séverin Tchounkeu, the owner of Équinoxe Télévision, expressed frustration over what he perceives as growing governmental pressure on independent media. 

"This feels like harassment, plain and simple," said Tchounkeu in an interview. "We have followed the CNC’s communiqués as expected, even though we were never formally notified of any decision. We believe that we are acting in a way that is both professionally and ethically sound, upholding journalistic standards as required."

Media advocates in Cameroon have echoed Tchounkeu’s concerns, warning of a broader trend toward suppressing critical voices in both television and radio. Several media professionals have voiced alarm over what they describe as a worrying escalation in state efforts to muzzle free expression in the country.

The CNC, however, maintains that it is acting within its legal mandate to ensure fair and balanced reporting. In a statement defending its position, the council stated that its actions were aimed at fostering media that is "balanced and respectful of ethical standards." The CNC did not elaborate on the specific breaches it attributed to *237, Le Débat*, but it has previously accused Équinoxe Télévision of airing content that it says lacks neutrality and fairness.

This is not the first time Équinoxe Télévision has found itself at odds with the CNC. The station has faced several sanctions over the years, all of which it attributes to its critical stance on government policies.

The station's *Droit de Réponse* program was particularly popular among viewers for providing an open forum for discussing controversial political and social issues. Its suspension has been perceived by many as a blow to free debate and independent journalism in Cameroon.

The ongoing conflict between Équinoxe Télévision and the CNC has reignited concerns about the state of press freedom in Cameroon. Local and international media watchdogs have repeatedly pointed to Cameroon’s deteriorating environment for journalists, with crackdowns on independent outlets becoming more frequent.

"This situation is part of a larger pattern," said a representative from the Cameroon Association of Journalists. "It seems that any outlet that dares to challenge the government narrative is at risk of being shut down or sanctioned."

The CNC has consistently defended its actions as necessary to ensure responsible journalism, but the growing restrictions are raising fears that Cameroon’s media landscape is becoming increasingly hostile to free expression.

As the dispute between Équinoxe Télévision and the CNC continues to unfold, many in Cameroon’s media sector are watching closely to see how it will impact the broader conversation on media independence and government accountability.

The ongoing standoff between Équinoxe Télévision and Cameroon’s National Communication Council highlights the delicate balance between media regulation and press freedom in the country. While the CNC insists that its measures are justified, many see them as part of a troubling trend toward repressing critical voices. With both sides entrenched in their positions, the future of independent journalism in Cameroon hangs in the balance.