CAMASEJ Hails Release of Student Journalist

The Cameroon Association of English-speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ) has celebrated the release of student journalist Gabrielle Souga, who was arrested while covering a hearing at the Constitutional Council in Yaounde.

Souga, a trainee reporter for The Post newspaper and a student at the University of Yaoundé II Soa’s Advanced School of Mass Communication (ASMAC), was detained on Monday at the Yaounde Conference Centre.

She was reportedly taken into custody alongside individuals believed to be supporters of opposition leader Maurice Kamto, who was scheduled to appear before the Council.

Despite identifying herself as a journalist on assignment, Souga was held at the Yaounde First District Police Station (Centrale).

CAMASEJ’s initial press release, issued on Tuesday, August 5, condemned the arrest as a “blatant attack on press freedom” and demanded her immediate release.

The association reported that Souga’s phone was confiscated and she was held in what was described as a cramped and foul-smelling cell.

A police commissioner reportedly told CAMASEJ officials that her continued detention was due to “high instructions” and refused to specify when she would be released.

Souga’s release came after strong condemnation from CAMASEJ, who also called on other media professionals and rights organisations to stand in solidarity with her.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of journalists, especially during politically sensitive events.