The Federation of African journalists (Faj), the African regional organization of the International Federation of Journalists (Ifj), has learnt with deep sorrow the sudden and untimely death of prominent Cameroonian journalist and press freedom defender, Pius Njawe.

Njawe, who was the director of the independent Le Messager newspaper of Cameroon, died on 12 July 2010 in a car accident in the United States of America.

“Pius Njawe was a press freedom icon not only in Cameroon but all over Africa. His relentless determination and courage in the fight for press freedom and his lifelong struggle for journalists’ welfare in Cameroon were extraordinary. We are deeply saddened by this loss and we express our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to his family, the National Syndicate of Cameroonian Journalists, colleagues at Le Messager newspaper and friends,” said Omar Faruk Osman, Faj President.

Pius Njawe, 53, was victimized on several occasions mainly as a result of his legitimate journalistic activities and in his relentless protests against violation of the right to freedom of the press. “He is also known for standing up for the rights of working journalists and sitting at the table for negotiations to improve working and living conditions of journalists,” Omar Faruk added. “We have lost a brave and committed advocate of press freedom and professional journalism in Africa,” he added.

He founded Le Messager in 1979 and won several prestigious International Journalism awards. He has been known as one of the strongest voices for press freedom defense in Africa. National Syndicate of Cameroonian Journalists (SNJC) regard him as the first publisher that engaged in collective bargaining negotiations with the SNJC to improve the pay and other working conditions of journalists working at Le Messager.