Cameroon: Two Years On, Justice Still Eludes Murdered Journalist Martinez Zogo

Two years after his death, justice remains stalled. Although authorities arrested around 20 suspects—including senior intelligence officers and influential media tycoon Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga—the trial has been marred by delays, secrecy, and procedural controversy. The case is being handled by a military court, raising concerns over transparency and fairness. Two judges have been removed from the case, and Zogo’s family continues to be denied access to evidence and participation in the legal proceedings.

On the second anniversary of Zogo’s murder, the International Press Institute (IPI) renewed calls for an independent and credible investigation. IPI condemned the judicial delays and the exclusion of the journalist’s family from the trial process, emphasizing that such opacity undermines public trust and deepens a culture of impunity.

Zogo’s killing sent shockwaves through Cameroon’s media community, sparking protests, vigils, and the #JusticeForMartinez campaign. The brutal nature of his death and the involvement of powerful figures exposed the extreme risks faced by journalists who investigate corruption in Cameroon.

The case also highlights the broader erosion of press freedom in the country. According to Reporters Without Borders, Cameroon ranks 131st out of 180 on the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. Journalists routinely face threats, censorship, arbitrary detention, and, as in Zogo’s case, deadly violence.

Bottom line: Two years after Martinez Zogo’s murder, the lack of justice reflects deep institutional failures. IPI’s continued pressure serves as a reminder that accountability must not be delayed. Without full transparency, civilian judicial oversight, and protection for investigative journalists, Cameroon risks normalizing impunity and silencing critical voices that speak truth to power.