Dr Nsoh Christopher Ndikum, Senior Lecturer in Political Science, University of Yaounde, II, Soa, looks back at how Cameroon Tribune newspaper has fared in 40 years of existence.

In the context of Cameroon, most of the articles of Cameroon Tribune are highly researched and verifiable. The paper respects the cannons of discipline in research while giving information. To a broader extent, it is a base for genuine information that is educative and covers many themes.

As someone who has made contributions in the newspaper, I have always been very satisfied with the published versions of my interviews because they reflected what I said. Cameroon Tribune’s strides are thus impressive and dynamic. But I would like the number of English language articles to be increased in each edition.

Though a bilingual newspaper, when one reads it, it seems as if we do not have enough English-speaking journalists in the country to do the job. Having more articles in English will give Cameroon Tribune a better national character. Furthermore, when Cameroon Tribune used to exist as two independent newspapers - that is the French and English language editions - the themes or topics were broader and fully covered to the satisfaction of the readers.

Since the editions were merged into one bilingual newspaper, English language articles have shrunk drastically in number. I therefore propose a return to the original format of separate English and French editions, which will enable Cameroonians to be equally informed and educated.

Another point is laying emphasis on news from the grassroots. Reading Cameroon Tribune these days seems as if sub-divisions and divisions do not exist in the country. If this should be taken into consideration, the leverage of the paper will keep improving. Grassroots information is very important, given that majority of Cameroonians live there.