In Press Freedom Day message: Bishop Bibi calls for stronger protection of journalists.

In a statement, the Chief Shepherd of Buea Diocese reaffirmed the importance of a free, independent and responsible press in advancing democracy, human rights and national development.

According to the prelate, this year's theme: “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security", reminds the world of the incredible work of journalists and the media in fostering the culture of peace.

The preacher recalled that during his recent visit Cameroon, the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, in a "pilgrimage of peace", reminded Cameroonians that "Peace cannot be reduced to a slogan: it must be embodied in a way of life that renounces all forms of violence, both personally and institutionally". 

For Bishop Bibi: “There is no doubt that one crucial ingredient to a culture of peace is a free press”.

The man of God insisted that freedom of press should not become a cliché “a slogan that we highlight once a year and return to old forms of repression”.

“This reality cannot come to fruition without the vital and indispensable role of men and women of the fourth estate. Just as there can be no peace without justice so too there can be no justice and peace without truth. The truth is supposed to liberate and always set our press free,” he continued. 

Bishop Bibi argued that: “It is not just journalists who suffer when their right to a free press is suppressed. Justice, peace and the truth all suffocate given that journalists are ‘the sentries protecting the values of truth, accountability, and justice’”.

He regretted what he described as the unfortunate violation, "sometimes flagrantly, and other times in hidden ways, of this fundamental right of the press”.

The Bishop was blunt that freedom of the press must be backed by a sense of responsibility. He said freedom is not absolute but it is tied to the obligation of representing reality accurately and respectfully. 

The prelate cited The Catechism of the Catholic Church as mentioning in “CCC 2497 that by the very nature of their profession, journalists have an obligation to serve the truth and not offend against charity in disseminating information. They should strive to respect, with equal care, the nature of the facts and the limits of critical judgment concerning individuals".

The Bishop insisted that freedom of the press must always be accompanied by a sense of truth and charity with no vested interest but a desire to foster justice and peace in the community. 

“Today, we all must stand up to defend the rights of a free press acknowledging that a free press serves democracy, human rights and development,” he urged.

“Today in particular, we join the Holy Father to ‘remember the many journalists and reporters who are victims of war and violence’. May the Truth that frees bring freedom and courage to journalists all the over the world,” he said, adding that: “It is my prayer and wish that our celebration of the World Press Freedom Day will increase our consciousness of the necessity of the freedom of the press and lead us to foster a more conducive society where the press can serve us better. May St. Francis de Sales intercede for all our press men and women now and forever”.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3781 of Wednesday May 06, 2026