Cameroon police investigating attack on Algerian journalists at Afcon
Algeria's Riyad Mahrez attends a training session at the annex field of the Japoma Stadium in Douala on January 10, 2022 on the eve of their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) match against Sierra Leone.
What you need to know:
- Algeria, who recently won the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, are drawn in Group ‘E’ alongside Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire.
- Riyad Mahrez and co. come into the tournament on the back of a 34 match winning streak. They play their first match on Tuesday against Sierra Leone.
Police in Cameroon are investigating an attack on a group of Algerian journalists covering the Africa Cup of Nations.
Algerian media reported that unidentified men armed with daggers attacked and robbed three journalists outside their hotel in Douala on Sunday, leaving two injured.
The journalists were part of a battery of press men and women trailing the Algerian national team to the 33rd edition of the continental football jamboree that kicked off Sunday.
The Confederation of African Football, (CAF), organisers of the tournament and the Association of Algerian Sports Journalists (AJSA), confirmed the incident in separate statements on Monday.
CAF said it was aware of the incident and was liaising with local government authorities to understand the details, “as this is now a police investigation.”
“We are also reaching out to the three journalists and wishes them speedy recovery. For now, we will await a detailed report of what transpired,” CAF said in a statement on its website.
The Fennecs are the defending champions and have attracted and wide media coverage.
AJSA said the journalists were robbed of their money and mobile phones during the “isolated incident” in a country known for kindness and spirit of hospitality to foreigners.
“This isolated incident somewhat tarnishes the start of this Africa Cup which was shaping up to be good auspices,” the Association of Algerian Sports Journalists said, describing the incident as shameful.
It called on the organizing committee in collaboration with the authorities in the central African country to take greater measures to ensure safety and security of journalists.
“AJSA calls on AIPS Africa to open an investigation to find out conditions of stay and security of special press envoys and provide them with help and assistance,” the Algerian sports journalists body said.
CAF in its statement said the safety of each and every individual attending the tournament is a priority for both the continental football body and the Cameroon government.
Algeria, who recently won the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, are drawn in Group ‘E’ alongside Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire.
Riyad Mahrez and co. come into the tournament on the back of a 34 match winning streak. They play their first match on Tuesday against Sierra Leone.
