Cameroonian Journalist, Mimi Mefo, shortlisted for 2019 Freedom of Expression Awards

According to information on the website of the international NGO, Index on Censorship, Cameroonian top female journalist, Mimi Mefo is one of the 16 shortlisted for the awards. The organization campaigns and defends free expression worldwide, publishes works by censored writers and artists, promote debates, and monitor threats for free speech
Shortlisted from over 400 public nominations, 16 names chosen for the freedom of expression Awards, exemplifies courage in the face of censorship. Mimi is the only African on the list as an individual.
Here is the organization’s reason for shortlisting the Cameroonian UK based journalist as published on its website:

Mimi Mefo is one of less than a handful journalists working without fear or favour in Cameroon’s climate of repression and self-censorship. An award-winning broadcast journalist and the first-ever woman editor-in-chief of private media house Equinoxe TV and Radio, Mefo was arrested in November 2018 after she published reports that the military was behind the death of an American missionary in the country. Mefo reports on the escalating violence in the country’s western regions, a conflict that has become known as the “Anglophone Crisis” and is a leading voice in exposing the harassment of other Cameroonian journalists, calling publicly for the release of those jailed.

Advocacy led to her release and since then, she has not been able to practice freely in Cameroon.
Few days ago, pictures emerged on the award-winning journalist’s Facebook wall who is in London. She is seen beside Antonia Byatt, Director of English, PEN International London, as she adds that, it will be a fantastic time for her learning more on Press Freedom and Advocacy.
Press freedom and freedom of expression are still very difficult human right aspects in an increasing crisis affected Cameroon, and no hopes in sight yet.

The judging panel for the awards comprises a Filmmaker, writer and social activist, an academic writer and a CEO and Executive Editor. The award day is yet to be announced.