Info241 suspension: Dr. Emmanuel Thierry Koumba calls for focus on factual truth and journalistic responsibility

Dr. Emmanuel Thierry Koumba, a university lecturer in Information and Communication Sciences, argues that the debate should move beyond the confrontation between the national regulator and international organizations. He emphasizes the importance of verifying facts, journalistic responsibility, proportionality of sanctions, and due process. Dr. Koumba highlights that serious accusations, such as those attributed to activist Anges Landry Mbeng concerning the head of state and his family, demand a higher standard of proof.

He cites Hannah Arendt, distinguishing between factual truth and opinions, stating that while opinions can be freely expressed, facts must be established. He questions the journalistic diligence of Info241 in publishing these claims without sufficient proof, noting that the mere existence of a statement online does not absolve a media outlet of its responsibility to verify information, cross-reference sources, contextualize, and seek the perspectives of those implicated. He asserts that a national regulatory body like the HAC should be judged on its independence, competence, procedural regularity, and the justification of its decisions, rather than requiring approval from international bodies.

H