Archive for category: HateFreeCameroon

By Nadine Bindey-EWER monitor

In the tense run-up to Cameroon’s 2025 presidential elections, marked by rising political polarization and a worrying surge in hate speech and disinformation, Civic Watch has emerged as a pivotal force. Since May 2025, Civic Watch has been spearheading a series of multi-stakeholder consultation meetings to foster collaboration among civil society organizations, the media, government agencies, and community leaders in addressing the toxic narratives that threaten Cameroon’s fragile peace and democratic integrity.

The coalition’s latest meeting on September 23, 2025, brought together diverse actors, including representatives from political organizations, youth groups, the Ministry of Communication, and media watchdogs. It provided a vital platform for sharing insights on the prevalence of hateful and false narratives spreading across social media and traditional outlets. This meeting also reviewed efforts by coalition members to raise awareness, counter misinformation, and promote critical media literacy, especially targeting young people, who are both victims and vectors of misinformation.

Stakeholders have been highlighting the serious consequences of hate speech and disinformation on national unity and electoral trust.  The open letter from the coalition, addressed to political parties, media, ELECAM, public authorities, civil society, and all citizens, strongly condemns these damaging behaviors. It emphasizes that hate speech is more than careless words; it deepens historical wounds, stirs division, and erodes trust vital for peaceful coexistence. Disinformation, propagated by some media professionals and political figures seeking sensationalism, manipulates public opinion and undermines democratic processes.

The letter calls on every stakeholder, political parties, to reject divisive rhetoric; the media to uphold strict ethical standards and rigorous fact-checking; election management bodies to safeguard impartiality; public authorities to ensure security and fair access to information; and civil society and citizens to remain vigilant against falsehoods and hateful content. The coalition urges collective responsibility, reminding all that the legacy we leave depends on the actions or silences of today.

A Call to Political Parties to Lead with Unity and Responsibility

Political parties hold a unique responsibility in shaping Cameroon’s electoral climate. The coalition urges them to reject manipulative tactics that exploit ethnic, religious, or social divisions. All communications must be grounded in transparency and sincerity, focusing on policy solutions rather than fear-mongering. Parties are also encouraged to guide their supporters toward respect and civility in public forums and online spaces to prevent polarization.

The Media’s Role to Uphold Ethics, Prioritize Truth

Professional journalism is a bulwark against misinformation. The coalition calls on media outlets to rigorously fact-check and select voices that promote informed discourse over division. Ethical reporting can counter sensationalism, reducing hate speech’s amplification and fostering social cohesion. Media professionals are reminded that their work impacts national stability and that adherence to truth is critical in this pivotal period.

Election Management Bodies to safeguard Fairness and Transparency

Bodies like ELECAM are tasked with ensuring elections are free, fair, and inclusive. The coalition emphasizes impartiality and equal enforcement of rules to maintain public confidence. Monitoring and regulating misinformation that compromises transparency is essential to protect the vote’s legitimacy and the people’s trust.

Public Authorities to Uphold Neutrality and Support Dialogue

Government actors are called to prioritize the public interest above partisan concerns. Ensuring security, safeguarding access to accurate information, and fostering tolerance and dialogue are key to maintaining peace. The National Communication Council, in particular, must enact its regulatory role forcefully and impartially to swiftly address professional misconduct that undermines electoral integrity.

Civil Society and Citizens to  Vigilant Guardians of Truth

Civic organizations continue to play a frontline role by monitoring, reporting, and educating on misinformation. Initiatives like 237 Check’s WhatsApp verification platform empower citizens to question and verify information before sharing. The coalition appeals to all Cameroonians, including diaspora communities, to adopt critical and responsible attitudes, rejecting hateful content even when aligned to their beliefs.

Despite challenges, coalition members have launched impactful initiatives, including digital campaigns to flag hateful content, school sensitization programs fostering media literacy, and citizen networks reporting misinformation in real-time. However, issues like coordination, recognition, and sustainable funding persist as barriers.

Looking Forward

Civic Watch and its partners embody how collective civil society can uphold democracy and social unity. Their work provides a framework not only for responding to current electoral challenges but for fostering long-lasting peace and trust in Cameroon’s future. Financing discussions during the meeting led to proposals for thematic task divisions, collective fundraising, and direct contributions from members to maintain transparency and solidarity.

Civic Watch’s efforts exemplify how united civil society actions can protect democracy and social cohesion in Cameroon. By fostering early collaboration, encouraging respectful dialogue, and empowering citizens to challenge misinformation, the coalition provides hope amid potential electoral unrest. As the electoral campaigns begin, the coalition’s open letter serves as a firm call for peace, truth, and collective action to safeguard Cameroon’s democratic future and social harmony.

This open letter echoes a solemn reminder: Cameroon’s fate hinges on concerted action against hate and falsehood. This coalition stands as a beacon, urging all actors to take up responsibility and safeguard the nation’s democratic promise.

By Mbehni Drusilla Nange_Intern_Civic Watch

As Cameroon approaches its 2025 general elections, the nation finds itself grappling not only with political uncertainty but with a more insidious threat to information in the form of hate speech. This phenomenon, often dismissed as mere rhetoric, has become a destabilizing force capable of inciting violence, eroding public trust, and undermining democratic participation. While political campaigns dominate headlines, a quieter, more principled campaign is unfolding behind the scenes which is a movement led by journalists, civil society actors, and advocates determined to confront hate speech and restore integrity to public discourse.

On September 12, 2025, the Network for Solidarity, Empowerment and Transformation for All (NewSETA), in partnership with the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), convened a strategic training session in Yaoundé under the theme “Combating Hate Speech and Building Confidence among Electors during Elections”. Among the key contributors was Dr. Ngala Desmond, President of Civic Watch Cameroon, whose presentation offered a sobering analysis of the media’s role in perpetuating or preventing hate speech, and a roadmap for ethical journalism in politically volatile times.

Cameroon’s electoral terrain is fraught with tension leading to Ethnic divisions, regional grievances, and political polarization, which have created fertile ground for hate speech to flourish. According to the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech (2019), hate speech is defined as “any kind of communication in speech, writing or behavior that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language with reference to a person or a group on the basis of who they are.” In Cameroon, this often manifests in the form of ethnic slurs, regional stigmatization, and inflammatory political rhetoric especially during election cycles.

Dr. Desmond’s presentation emphasized that journalists are no longer passive observers. They are active participants in shaping public opinion and must navigate a minefield of misinformation, political manipulation, and public distrust. He further said the “stakes are high that unchecked hate speech can escalate into communal violence, suppress voter turnout, and delegitimize electoral outcomes”. The media’s role, therefore, is not just to inform but to safeguard peace and cohesion.

Understanding the Realities of Hate Speech

The training session delved into the anatomy of hate speech, unpacking its various forms and implications. Hate speech in the Cameroonian context includes ethnic profiling, incitement to violence, targeted disinformation, and the dehumanization of political opponents. These expressions are not abstract as they are embedded in campaign slogans, social media posts, and even mainstream news coverage.

The presentation referenced global frameworks, including Article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which prohibits “any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.” In Cameroon, where political discourse often intersects with identity politics, the danger is amplified. Hate speech does not merely offend, it divides, radicalizes, and destabilizes.

One of the most compelling insights from Dr. Desmond’s presentation was the dual role journalists play during elections. On one hand, “they can inadvertently amplify hate speech by quoting inflammatory remarks without context or critique”. On the other, “they can serve as moderators of public discourse challenging divisive narratives, promoting dialogue, and fostering understanding”.

Ethical responsibility becomes paramount as journalists must uphold impartiality, verify facts rigorously, and avoid sensationalism. They must also protect vulnerable sources and refuse to relay rhetoric that incites hatred or violence. As Desmond noted, “The journalist is not just a conveyor of information but a guardian of public conscience.” Their choices can either deepen societal fractures or build bridges across them.

Counter-Narratives: The Antidote to Hate

Central to the training was the concept of counter-narratives stories that challenge hate speech by promoting peace, inclusion, and diversity. These narratives are not reactive; they are proactive tools for reshaping public perception. Effective counter-narratives are grounded in truth, empathetic in tone, constructive in message, and engaging in format.

Examples include highlighting interfaith dialogue initiatives, showcasing community-led peacebuilding efforts, and amplifying voices from marginalized regions. In the Anglophone regions, for instance, journalists have begun documenting stories of resilience and reconciliation, offering a counterpoint to the dominant narratives of conflict and division. These efforts align with UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy framework, which encourages critical engagement with media content and the promotion of inclusive narratives.

The presentation offered a robust toolkit for journalists committed to ethical reporting. Fact-checking emerged as a cornerstone journalists must verify claims before publication, especially in politically charged environments. Peace journalism, which emphasizes solutions and reconciliation over conflict and sensationalism, was also highlighted as a transformative approach.

Journalists were encouraged to amplify positive initiatives, such as youth-led civic engagement projects or cross-regional collaborations. Collaboration with civil society organizations, legal experts, and fact-checking platforms was recommended to strengthen accountability and support. These strategies are not just best practices, they are lifelines in a media ecosystem under siege. 

Despite their commitment, journalists face formidable obstacles. Political and economic pressures often compromise editorial independence. Threats and intimidation both online and offline are common, especially for those reporting on sensitive issues. Limited resources for verification and the rapid spread of disinformation further complicate the landscape.

To counter these challenges, Dr. Desmond advocated for ongoing training in media ethics, legal support for journalists under threat, and the establishment of solidarity networks among media professionals. He also proposed the creation of reporting platforms for hate speech, enabling journalists and citizens to document and respond to harmful content. These solutions reflect a holistic approach, one that recognizes the systemic nature of the problem and the need for collective action.

The presentation spotlighted successful initiatives that demonstrate the power of ethical journalism. The #FactsMatter237 campaign, launched during the 2020 elections, brought together journalists and fact-checkers to debunk false claims and promote verified information. The 2025 Multi-Stakeholder Coalition for Ethical Media, formed in anticipation of the upcoming elections, issued a joint declaration against disinformation and hate speech.

Balanced regional coverage also emerged as a key strategy. Journalists reporting from the Northwest and Southwest regions began highlighting peacebuilding efforts, community resilience, and inclusive governance models. These stories offered a counter-narrative to the dominant discourse of conflict and division, reinforcing the media’s role as a force for cohesion.

Civic Watch Cameroon: Building Impact from the Ground Up

At the heart of this movement is Civic Watch Cameroon, an organization that has consistently championed ethical journalism, civic education, and peacebuilding. Under Dr. Desmond’s leadership, Civic Watch has launched a series of initiatives aimed at transforming media culture and empowering journalists.

Their #HateFreeCameroon campaign mobilizes journalists, educators, and youth leaders to identify and challenge hate speech in their communities. Through workshops, digital toolkits, and public forums, the campaign fosters critical media literacy and promotes inclusive dialogue. Civic Watch has also established peace clubs in secondary schools, equipping students with the skills to mediate conflict and advocate for tolerance.

In collaboration with NewSETA and other partners, Civic Watch has trained over 200 journalists in peace journalism, fact-checking, and ethical reporting. Their impact is measurable not only in the stories being told but in the trust being rebuilt between media and the public. As Dr. Desmond emphasized, “We are not just training journalists; we are cultivating a culture of responsibility, empathy, and truth.”

According to the UNHRC, the fight against hate speech is not a peripheral concern, it is central to the health of Cameroon’s democracy. Journalists have the power to shape narratives, influence public opinion, and safeguard electoral integrity. But they cannot do it alone. Civil society, policymakers, and citizens must join the campaign to confront hate speech and promote ethical discourse.

Civic Watch Cameroon offers a blueprint for impact grounded in collaboration, education, and principled storytelling. Their work reminds us that the most powerful campaigns are not always the loudest. Sometimes, they are the ones that quietly restore dignity, rebuild trust, and  reimagine what democracy can be.

Par Mbehni Drusilla Nange, stagiaire chez Civic Watch

Alors que le Cameroun se prépare pour l’élection présidentielle du 12 octobre, Civic Watch intensifie sa campagne contre les discours de haine, la désinformation et la mésinformation qui menacent de fausser l’opinion publique et de saper la participation démocratique.

Notre récente participation à la table ronde d’ELECAM sur « Le Droit à l’information et la responsabilité des médias dans le processus électoral : enjeux et défis » a réaffirmé notre engagement en faveur du journalisme éthique et de l’intégrité civique. Représenté par le Dr Ngala Desmond Ngala, Civic Watch a rejoint des professionnels des médias, des acteurs de la société civile et des autorités électorales pour un dialogue opportun sur la manière de préserver la vérité durant cette période électorale critique.

La table ronde a servi de plateforme pour confronter l’influence croissante des faux récits et de la rhétorique de division, en particulier à une époque où les réseaux sociaux peuvent amplifier la désinformation à un rythme alarmant.

Le message du Dr Ngala aux journalistes était à la fois urgent et basé sur des principes forts. Il a rappelé aux participants que les journalistes ne sont pas de simples relais d’informations ; ils sont les sentinelles de la société. Dans un paysage numérique où les fausses nouvelles se propagent rapidement et souvent sans vérification, il a exhorté les journalistes à résister à la pression de la vitesse et à privilégier la précision. Chaque information, a-t-il souligné, doit être rigoureusement vérifiée avant publication.

Son message était clair : lorsque les journalistes ne respectent pas ces normes, ils risquent d’alimenter la désinformation et la mésinformation, ce qui peut fausser la perception du public et déstabiliser les processus démocratiques. Civic Watch soutient cet appel à travers ses partenariats avec les rédactions et ses programmes de formation à l’éthique, encourageant les professionnels des médias à adopter un journalisme basé sur les sources et des pratiques éditoriales transparentes.

En outre, le Dr Ngala a étendu cette responsabilité au-delà des rédactions. Il a souligné que chaque citoyen a un rôle à jouer dans un journalisme éthique et dans le démenti des faux récits. Vérifier les sources avant de partager une information n’est pas seulement un principe journalistique ; c’est un devoir civique.

Civic Watch fait écho à cet appel à l’action à travers sa plateforme #237Check, qui surveille les fausses affirmations virales et fournit des corrections en temps réel. De plus, elle agit via ses réseaux d’ambassadeurs de la jeunesse, comme le programme Africa Factchecking Fellowship (AFFCameroon), qui forme des journalistes, des créateurs de contenu et des blogueurs au fact-checking, ainsi que le programme #Media4Peace qui enseigne aux journalistes comment couvrir les conflits, les crises et les élections, en choisissant les mots justes pour ne pas attiser les tensions. Ces efforts visent à construire un écosystème d’information résilient où la vérité est défendue par les professionnels comme par le public.

Au cours des derniers mois, Civic Watch a documenté une augmentation du contenu trompeur sur les plateformes chiffrées, ce qui a incité l’organisation à élargir sa trousse d’outils de vérification numérique et à intensifier ses ateliers communautaires.

Le Dr Ngala a également abordé l’impact néfaste des préjugés ethniques dans la couverture électorale. Il a condamné l’utilisation d’étiquettes de division telles que « le candidat de Douala », affirmant que « les élections ne sont pas ethnicisées au Cameroun ». Il soutient qu’un tel cadrage réducteur détourne les débats de fond sur les politiques et renforce les lignes de fracture régionales.

La campagne de Civic Watch contre les discours de haine s’attaque directement à ce problème en organisant des forums communautaires et en s’associant à des chefs traditionnels pour promouvoir des récits inclusifs. Les journalistes, a-t-il insisté, doivent diversifier leurs sources et éviter les angles simplistes qui réduisent les candidats à leurs origines plutôt qu’à leurs idées. En se concentrant sur les programmes, les politiques et les qualités de leadership, les médias peuvent aider à unir les électeurs autour des questions qui comptent le plus et favoriser un électorat mieux informé.

En conclusion, le Dr Ngala a lancé un appel aux autorités pour qu’elles soutiennent les journalistes en garantissant la transparence et l’accès ouvert aux données électorales. Il a rappelé aux reporters que choisir la précision plutôt que la vitesse n’est pas un service rendu à quiconque ; c’est un service rendu à la nation et une garantie pour leur propre crédibilité.

Alors que Civic Watch se tourne vers le 12 octobre, nous réaffirmons notre engagement en faveur d’un journalisme éthique et basé sur des sources fiables, et notre volonté de donner aux citoyens les moyens de défendre la vérité. La lutte contre les discours de haine et la désinformation n’est pas une campagne secondaire ; elle est au cœur de la santé de notre démocratie.

Par des efforts coordonnés entre les médias, la société civile et les communautés de base, nous pouvons faire en sorte que l’élection présidentielle camerounaise de 2025 soit non seulement pacifique et participative, mais aussi ancrée dans la vérité.