On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Cameroon lost a familiar voice and an iconic figure of televised sport: Laraï Salamatou, a journalist and presenter for CRTV, died after an illness. Her sudden departure immediately plunged the public broadcaster into mourning and sparked a wave of emotion among viewers who had followed her for nearly twenty years.
Recruited in 2008, Laraï built her career at CRTV, the public audiovisual service. From the start, she chose sports journalism as her field of expression, a decision that led her to become one of the country's most recognized voices. Her constant commitment for almost two decades testifies to an unwavering passion for sport and a desire to report athletes' achievements with rigor and enthusiasm.
Over the years, she wore many hats: field reporter, commentator on major events, presenter of the "Journal des Sports" on the National Post, and host of the "Midnight Journal". Her ability to juggle technical analysis with vivid storytelling made her an indispensable reference for fans of football, athletics and local sports. Her style, both clear and dynamic, made sport accessible to a broad audience, from the young to the elderly.
Laraï's popularity stemmed not only from her professionalism but also from the closeness she forged with her audience. Her voice, recognizable within the first seconds of a broadcast, was synonymous with trust and authenticity. Whenever she presented the "Journal des Sports", Cameroonian households would pause, hanging on her words, witnessing a rare connection between the media and the people.
CRTV, in mourning, quickly issued a statement expressing the deep sadness of the media community. "We mourn the loss of a dedicated colleague, a pioneer of sports journalism, and a dear friend," said the channel's director. Tributes poured in on social media, where colleagues, athletes and viewers shared their memories, highlighting the lasting impact of her work on the national sports scene.
Beyond the grief, Laraï's passing raises crucial questions for the future of Cameroonian sports journalism. As a woman who broke into a historically male‑dominated field, she paved the way for a new generation of young girls eager to follow in her footsteps. Her legacy underscores the importance of supporting diversity and continuous training in public media, so that the passion for sport continues to be conveyed with the same energy and professionalism.
As the nation mourns this loss, it is essential to keep Laraï Salamatou's memory alive by continuing her commitment: delivering quality sports coverage, inspiring young talent, and maintaining the link between athletes and their supporters. Her career will remain a source of inspiration, reminding us that every microphone, every commentary, every report can shape the history of Cameroonian sport.
