Calixthe Beyala, a Cameroonian novelist, has called for justice for journalist Martinez Zogo, who was abducted and murdered in January 2023. Zogo’s body was found five days after his abduction, and an autopsy revealed that he had been subjected to severe torture. Beyala expressed her desire for the perpetrators to be held accountable for their actions and described them as sexual perverts and satanists. The murder of Zogo has sparked a debate on press freedom and the safety of journalists in Cameroon, where journalists are regularly harassed, intimidated, and imprisoned for expressing critical opinions of the government. Beyala has vowed to fight for justice for Zogo and has become a voice for the cause.
The murder of Martinez Zogo has provoked widespread condemnation, with many journalists and public figures expressing their outrage and concern for the safety of journalists in the country. President Paul Biya has promised that the perpetrators will be severely punished and has ordered an investigation into the matter. However, the incident has highlighted the need for the Cameroonian government to take measures to protect journalists and ensure press freedom in the country. Beyala’s call for justice for Zogo has become a rallying cry for those seeking to hold the perpetrators accountable and protect the rights of journalists in Cameroon.
