Prospects and Challenges of the Right to Freedom of Speech and the Protection of Journalists in Cameroon

The protection of journalists generally cannot be over belabored. Journalists are considered as the voice of the voiceless in every community wherein they are found and as a corollary, their protection is germane and of utmost importance. This article examines the prospects and challenges of the protection of journalists in Cameroon and the right to freedom of expression. It further gives recommendations geared at improving the protection of journalists in Cameroon, analyzes the types of journalists, examines the legal framework wherein the protection is guaranteed both at the international, regional and the national or domestic level. The study uses a qualitative research methodology, employing primary data sources, secondary data which came from textbooks, journal articles, reports, and newspapers. The study is underpinned by the triple-pronged theory. The findings unequivocally and blatantly reveals that there is a need therefore to strengthen international protection, a need to enhance national legislation, investigate and prosecute attacks, and to provide training and protective gear for journalists in Cameroon. To this effect, there is a clarion call therefore to ensure that serious punitive measures should be put in place to ensure that violators are punished accordingly.