Cameroon: In the trial of the assassination of Martinez Zogo, intelligence agents heard
Agents from Cameroon’s intelligence agency testified in the ongoing trial concerning the assassination of journalist Martinez Zogo.
The trial of Martinez Zogo's assassination continued on February 17 at the military tribunal in Yaoundé, where agents from the General Directorate of External Research (DGRE) were called to testify. Martinez Zogo, a well-known journalist, was murdered in January 2023, and the ongoing trial has attracted significant public attention due to its political implications. Testimonies revealed connections between the intelligence agents and Zogo's assassination, leading to increased scrutiny of the DGRE's activities and the potential involvement of higher-level officials.
Charlotte Mbah Angwe, the commander of the operational research group, stated during her testimony that she only learned of the involvement of three agents from her department during the investigation. She highlighted concerns over a WhatsApp group created by her team, which raised questions about the appropriateness of their actions and the protocols followed by the agency. The revelations have sparked debates about accountability within the DGRE and the broader implications of state power in cases involving media figures.
This trial is significant not only for its direct connection to the murder of a journalist but also for its implications on freedom of the press in Cameroon. As public interest continues to grow, there are calls for transparency in the judicial process and accountability for those allegedly involved in state-sanctioned violence against dissenting voices. The case may very well influence future relations between the government, intelligence agencies, and the media, as well as shape public perception of press freedom in the region.