Zimbabwe: The renowned global French cultural channel TV5 MONDE issued an official apology to Cameroon and Guinea-Conakry after the hyped controversy that raged when they have mistakenly used different flags for both the nation during last AFCON programme.
The apology note was released on Jan 24, 2024 after the NCC demanded an explanation for using Ambazonia flag besides Cameroon.
TV5 World wrote in the note, “TV5 MONDE presents its most sincere apologies to the countries concerned, Cameroon and Guinea-Conakry, for the errors made in a table presenting the current matches of the CAN, the 2023 African Cup of Nations, on its antenna in its newspaper, 64 Le Monde in French.”
“The flags presented were not those of the countries concerned. An error whose seriousness TV5 MONDE measures,” says the apology note.
The note added further that the mistake happened due to negligence, “A lack of vigilance in the production chain led to this mistake. TV5 MONDE has, in its various editions, recognized this failure and ensures that it will redouble its attention between now and the end of this competition.”
The apology note mentioned, “Aware of the emotion, particularly in Cameroon, caused by its error, TV5 MONDE will scrupulously ensure that it uses the one and only flag enshrined in the fundamental law of the Republic of Cameroon, green-red-yellow struck with a gold star.
The apology was released after the National Communication Council (NCC) slammed the global channel for its carelessness. NCC issued a stern demand for an explanation from PAN African Channel TV5 MONDE.
The council expressed its dissatisfaction over the mistake committed by the TV5 MONDE. The controversy actually followed the presentation that the channel was showing during the ongoing matches on the show ‘64 Le Monde En Francais’ that focused majorly on the current AFCON 2024 tournament in Ivory Coast.
The channel showcased a flag with blue and white lines along with additional stars. This stark departure from the usual green, red and yellow colors with a central star that symbolized the nation of Cameroon and immediately caught the attention of viewers and triggered a swift reaction from the NCC.
The NCC president – Chebongkeng Kalabubsu, demanded a clear and urgent explanation from the channel regarding the flag faux pas. The communique released by the NCC states, “The National Communication Council is asking the managers of the said channel to address, without any time wasting, appropriate explanations for such an act.”