SNJC disapproves Sévérin Tchounkeu’s appointment

The National Union of Journalists in Cameroon (SNJC) has expressed disapproval of Sévérin Tchounkeu’s suspected appointment during a press conference in Douala on June 11.

His appointment was by the Prime Minister, Philemon Yang, who announced Sévérin Tchounkeu as the boss of the media group, La Nouvelle Expression, and would be in charge of the issuance of the press card via the 1pm news cast on Friday, July 3, 2015.

The designation did not come as a surprise to the members SNJC including its president, Denis Nkwebo, who had already prepared his colleagues for such an eventuality during the press conference held on June 11.

“The Minister of communications is preparing to appoint one of his friends as the director of a daily private publication, after having appointed other friends,” Nkwebo said.

“The SNJC and its members will accept only one commission for the issuance of the joint press card, comprising representatives of journalists and publishers and developers of media representatives. This is what we have decided as one of a couple of actions to be taken by the Union, from July 3, 2015”.

This date has been chosen by the head of the Government to announce the appointment of the boss of Equinox Radio and Television as the head of this structure.

The leaders of the Union have also made known their intention to act against Philemon Yang’s decision. According to the members of the National Communication Council (NCC), there is no doubt that the new boss of national commission for the issuance of the press card will now be another prime target.