Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
Professor Jean Calvain Aba’a Oyono is currently entangled in a dispute with Paul Ngouare Kindji, Director of Publication for the newspaper Réalités Plus. Following the publication of an article deemed defamatory in the January 20, 2025 edition, the academic decided to file a complaint, according to a direct summons served on the journalist and leaked on social networks.
The article that is causing a stir is the newspaper’s front page, which respond to Jean Calvin Aba’a Oyono’s repeated critiques of the socio-economic situation in Cameroon. The headline, “Pr Aba Oyono, your chatter on all the platforms against Ministers Jacques Fame Ndongo and Louis Paul Motaze, why? In 10 years, you have received 34 million CFA francs in research allowances, what have you done with it?” makes several allegations, according to the academic. The article accuses the professor of repeated criticism of members of the government and dubious management of research grants.
The offending article states in particular “that the insults and defamations made by Professor Aba’a Oyono are directed at Ministers Fame Ndongo and Motaze. It further asserts that the professor spends his time criticizing Minister Jacques Fame Neon go and Louis Paul Motaze. It equally stated that In 10 years the academic has received 34 million FCFA in research allowances but hasn’t achieved anything” reads the direct summons sent to Paul Ngouare Kindji.
In a statement, Jean Calvin Aba’a Oyono considers these assertions to be unfounded and damaging to his reputation, claiming that they constitute defamation under articles 74 and 305 of the Cameroon Penal Code. He has decided to bring the case before the courts as a civil party, asking that Paul Ngouare Kindji be sentenced in accordance with the law.
The plaintiff is seeking not only an acknowledgement of the publication director’s guilt, but also compensation for the damage suffered.
