Civic Watch_#defyhatenow at FES Cameroon: Safeguarding the 2025 Polls Against Electoral Hate Speech
By Mbehni Drusilla Nange_Intern_Civic Watch
Panelists of the debate
In a climate where words can wound as deeply as weapons, Cameroon’s thought leaders gathered in Yaoundé on September 5, 2025, to confront a threat that transcends politics: hate speech. Hosted by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, the high-level political debate brought together institutional actors, civil society champions, and media professionals in a rare moment of collective reflection and resolve.
The panel featuring Prof Lucien Alain Manga Nomo (University lecturer Yaounde 1), Madame Prudence Noutcha(Researcher, Gender and Peace Advocate) Mr Denis Omgba (Director of Media Observatory in MINCOM) , and Dr Ngala Desmond (Director of Civic Watch, Country Director #defyhatenow), did more than diagnose the problem. They issued a call to action that reverberated far beyond the walls of the conference hall. Their message was unequivocal: combating hate speech demands a united front rooted in ethical leadership, civic responsibility, and sustained collaboration across all sectors of society.
A Framework for Civic Renewal
Dr Ngala Desmond, a leading voice in civic engagement and democratic renewal, delivered a strategic framework that challenged political actors to look beyond electoral cycles. His proposal was both visionary and grounded in the realities of Cameroon’s social fabric. He urged political organisations to adopt inclusive leadership models and invest in long-term civic education that empowers citizens to critically engage with public discourse.
At the heart of his intervention was a call for a shared code of conduct which is a document drafted by Civic Watch and other stakeholders to guide political communication, media narratives, and community engagement. “This code must be anchored in truth, dignity, and a public rejection of false or inflammatory statements,” Dr Ngala asserted. His words were a direct challenge to partisan interests, urging leaders to place national cohesion above political gain.
Journalism As a Force for Peace
The media’s role in shaping public perception was another focal point. Dr Ngala called on journalists and media outlets to uphold ethical standards and embrace smart censorship tools that curb the spread of harmful narratives. “The tone and framing of your stories can either fracture a nation or help it heal,” he warned.
Dr Ngala sharing ideas
In a media landscape often dominated by sensationalism, his appeal for responsible reporting struck a chord. It echoed growing calls for media accountability and the need to balance press freedom with social responsibility. Journalism, he reminded the audience, must be a force for peace and not polarization.
Civic Watch’s #defyhatenow: Proven Impact. A Model to Replicate
Civil society organisations were commended for their grassroots efforts in promoting civic education and dismantling stereotypes. Among the most impactful initiatives is Peace Weavers, spearheaded by Civic Watch Cameroon in partnership with #defyhatenow. This youth-led movement has trained hundreds of leaders across Bamenda, Buea, and Yaoundé to counter hate speech both online and offline.
The training goes beyond theory as the participants engage in modules on conflict dynamics, trauma-informed storytelling, gender-inclusive dialogue, and digital advocacy. They emerge not just as informed citizens, but as community mediators and digital watchdogs—capable of identifying and defusing inflammatory narratives before they escalate.
Peace Weavers have also launched local peace clubs and WhatsApp-based alert systems, enabling real-time reporting of hate speech and misinformation. These grassroots mechanisms have proven effective in de-escalating tensions during politically sensitive moments, such as elections or communal disputes. By embedding civic vigilance into everyday interactions, Peace Weavers are transforming passive audiences into active defenders of social harmony.
Another tested counter-narrative is the Media4Peace dialogues facilitated by Civic Watch. These dialogues bring together youth, media activists, journalists, and CSOs from historically tense communities. Through facilitated conversations, participants confront stereotypes, share lived experiences, and co-create solutions rooted in mutual respect.The success of these dialogues lies not only in their outcomes but in their process: they model the kind of inclusive, empathetic engagement that national discourse desperately needs.
The Country Director of #defyhatenow Cameroon added a layer of personal responsibility to the conversation. He urged citizens to reject tribalism, value merit over favouritism, and denounce injustice even when it challenges personal comfort. “Peace is not a passive state,” he said. “It’s an active practice, cultivated through daily choices and collective accountability.”
His remarks echoed the ethos of both peace weavers and inter-community dialogues stating the fact that sustainable peace begins with individual conviction and community action.
Dr Ngala concluded with a rallying call to Cameroon’s youth, urging them to become active partners with digital platforms like Facebook in reporting hate speech and misinformation. He encouraged young people to use technology not as a weapon of division but as a tool for constructive dialogue and civic vigilance. This call to digital citizenship aligns with Civic Watch’s ongoing efforts to develop counter-narrative campaigns, meme-based advocacy, and community fact-checking hubs. These innovations demonstrate that the fight against hate speech is not just institutional—it is generational.
The debate closed with a shared commitment to a holistic approach, one that empowers every sector of society to speak out, take responsibility, and build a future free from the corrosive effects of hate speech. As Cameroon navigates complex political and social transitions, the lessons from Peace Weavers and Inter-Community Dialogues offer hope and a tested roadmap.
The emphasis is to scale these efforts, institutionalise their learnings, and ensure that Civic Watch’s voice calling for unity is not drowned out by the noise of division. Because in the end, peace is not just a policy but a practice, and it begins with us.
The Unseen Campaign: Confronting Hate Speech in Cameroon’s Elections
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.
The Truth Mandate: Civic Watch’s Stand for Responsible Media and Civic Unity in 2025
By Mbehni Drusilla Nange – Intern at Civic Watch
Group photo with ELECAM, panelists and participants
As Cameroon prepares for the presidential election on October 12, Civic Watch is intensifying its campaign against the forces of hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation that threaten to distort public opinion and undermine democratic participation.
Our recent participation in ELECAM’s roundtable on “The Right to Information and Media Responsibility in the Electoral Process: Issues and Challenges” reaffirmed our commitment to ethical journalism and civic integrity. Represented by Dr. Ngala Desmond Ngala, Civic Watch joined media professionals, civil society actors, and electoral authorities in a timely dialogue on how to safeguard the truth during this critical electoral season.
The roundtable served as a platform to confront the growing influence of false narratives and divisive rhetoric, especially in an era where social media can amplify misinformation at an alarming rate.
Dr Ngala’s message to journalists
Dr. Ngala’s remarks were both urgent and principled. He reminded attendees that journalists are not mere conveyors of content; they are the watchdogs of society. In a digital landscape where fake news spreads rapidly and often unchecked, he urged reporters to resist the pressure of speed and instead prioritize accuracy. Every piece of information, he stressed, must be rigorously verified before publication.
His message was clear: when journalists fail to uphold these standards, they risk fueling misinformation and disinformation, which can distort public perception and destabilize democratic processes. Civic Watch continues to support this call through its newsroom partnerships and ethics training programs, encouraging media professionals to adopt source-driven reporting and transparent editorial practices.
In addition, Dr. Ngala extended this responsibility beyond the newsroom. He emphasized that every citizen has a role to play in ethical reporting and in debunking false narratives. Verifying sources before sharing information is not just a journalistic principle; it is a civic duty.
Civic Watch echoes this call to action through its #237Check platform, which monitors viral claims and provides real-time corrections, and through its Youth Ambassadors Networks like , the Africa Factchecking Fellowship- AFFCameroon, that trains journalists, content creators, bloggers on factchecking, #Media4Peace program which skills journalists on how to report in times of conflict/crisis, elections and words to use not to fan the flames. Youth and community leaders trained on Media and Information Literacy and counter-speech strategies. These efforts are designed to build a resilient information ecosystem where the truth is protected by both professionals and the public.
In recent months, Civic Watch has documented a surge in misleading content across encrypted platforms, prompting the expansion of its digital verification toolkit and community workshops.
Dr. Ngala also addressed the harmful impact of ethnic bias in election coverage. He condemned the use of divisive labels such as “the candidate from Douala,” asserting that “elections are not ethnicized in Cameroon.” Such reductive framing, he argued, distracts from substantive policy debates and reinforces regional fault lines.
Civic Watch’s campaign against Hate Speech directly tackles this issue by convening community forums and partnering with traditional leaders to promote inclusive narratives. Journalists, he urged, must diversify their sources and avoid simplistic angles that reduce candidates to their origins rather than their ideas. By focusing on platforms, policies, and leadership qualities, the media can help unite voters around the issues that matter most and foster a more informed electorate.
In closing, Dr. Ngala appealed to authorities to support journalists by ensuring transparency and open access to electoral data. He reminded reporters that choosing accuracy over speed is not a favor to anyone; it is a service to the nation and a safeguard for their own credibility.
As Civic Watch looks ahead to October 12, we reaffirm our commitment to ethical, source-driven journalism and to empowering citizens to defend the truth. The fight against hate speech and disinformation is not a side campaign; it is central to the health of our democracy.
Through coordinated efforts across media, civil society, and grassroots communities, we can ensure that Cameroon’s 2025 presidential election is not only peaceful and participatory but also anchored in truth.
Le Mandat de la Vérité : L’engagement de Civic Watch pour des médias responsables et l’unité civique en 2025
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.
Le Mandat de la Vérité : L’engagement de Civic Watch pour des médias responsables et l’unité civique en 2025
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.
Le responsable de Civic Watch appelle à la mobilisation contre les discours de haine et la xénophobie, lors d’un forum de dialogue
Par Tantan Patience, bénévole de Civic Watch
Bamenda, Cameroun – 4 septembre 2025
Pour les scrutins d’octobre 2025, un forum de dialogue multipartite s’est réuni à Bamenda, dans la région du Nord-Ouest, le 4 septembre 2025. L’événement, placé sous le thème « Promouvoir des élections pacifiques, inclusives et exemptes de haine… », a rassemblé diverses personnalités pour faire avancer les valeurs démocratiques et la cohésion sociale dans la région.
Organisée par Civic Watch en tant que membre de la Coalition nationale pour le bilinguisme, cette session de dialogue d’une journée a rassemblé des leaders de partis politiques, des organisations de jeunesse, des acteurs de la société civile et des associations de médias. L’objectif était de discuter des moyens de favoriser un processus électoral pacifique, inclusif et sans haine. Les discussions ont également porté sur la dénonciation des discours de haine, de la xénophobie et de la violence pendant et après les campagnes, la promotion d’un journalisme éthique et le renforcement de la résilience des communautés face à la désinformation et aux discours de division.
Le forum a permis aux parties prenantes de présenter leurs actions, d’identifier les mesures qui peuvent être prises et de rappeler les responsabilités éthiques qui leur incombent pendant les élections.
Dans son allocution, le Dr Ngala Desmond Ngala, responsable de Civic Watch, a souligné que les partis politiques peuvent mener des élections sans échanger de violences et sans rhétorique incendiaire. Il leur a demandé de s’impliquer dans l’éducation civique inclusive, de développer une communication efficace, et de toujours considérer leur responsabilité envers les citoyens et la communauté dans son ensemble.
S’adressant aux médias, le Dr Ngala a rappelé aux représentants des associations de journalistes qu’en tant que créateurs d’ordre du jour, ils ne doivent pas se contenter de relayer ce que les politiciens disent. Il a insisté sur leur rôle dans la gestion des situations conflictuelles lors des émissions et des reportages. Il a également rappelé que ce qui est publié peut soit accroître, soit réduire la haine et les échanges xénophobes entre les partisans. Malgré des défis tels que l’accès limité aux sources, les conflits d’intérêts, le sensationnalisme et les affiliations politiques, les journalistes ont été encouragés à vérifier les informations avant leur diffusion.
Les organisations de jeunesse et de la société civile ont également été appelées à aller au-delà de l’encouragement à l’inscription sur les listes électorales et à inspirer une participation active, en aidant les citoyens à distinguer les pratiques positives des pratiques néfastes.
Le Dr Sakah Bernard, animateur de la session, a quant à lui fait remarquer que les discours de haine détruisent la résilience des communautés en incitant à la violence, en affaiblissant la démocratie, en favorisant l’apathie politique, en approfondissant les divisions et en intimidant les défenseurs de la diversité.
Les participants ont suggéré des approches locales, notamment le dialogue interpersonnel, la création de clubs de défense de la paix pour les jeunes dans les écoles et les communautés, et l’amplification de la vérification des faits sur les réseaux sociaux.
Les discussions de groupe sur la collaboration des communautés avec les partis politiques et les médias ont donné lieu à des recommandations telles que l’organisation d’audiences publiques entre les leaders politiques et les communautés, la mise en place de partenariats entre les médias locaux/régionaux et les politiciens pour promouvoir la vérification des faits, et la sensibilisation aux dangers du journalisme citoyen.
À la clôture de la session, chaque groupe de parties prenantes a appelé ses homologues à se concentrer sur leurs objectifs, à former des coalitions solides et à renforcer les liens plutôt que d’alimenter les divisions. Enfin, ils ont souligné l’importance d’améliorer les compétences en communication pour favoriser l’unité avant et après les campagnes.
At Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue Forum; Civic Watch Lead Calls for End to Bystanding on Issues of Hate Speech and Xenophobia.
By Tantan Patience, Civic Watch Volunteer
Bamenda, Cameroon – September 4, 2025
A multi-stakeholder dialogue forum was convened in Bamenda North West Region, on September 4, 2025, to promote a peaceful, inclusive, and hate-free elections ahead of the October 2025 polls. Held under the theme “Promoting Peaceful, Inclusive and Hate-Free Elections in the North West Region of Cameroon,” the forum brought together diverse voices committed to fostering democratic values and social cohesion in the region.
Organized by Civic Watch as members of the National Bilingualism Coalition, the one-day dialogue session brought together leaders of political parties, youth organizations, civil society actors, and media associations to deliberate on ways of encouraging peace, inclusion, and a hate-free electoral process. Discussions also focused on denouncing hate speech, xenophobia, and violence during and after campaigns, promoting ethical journalism, and strengthening community resilience against hate speech, misinformation, and divisive narratives.
The forum highlighted what stakeholders have been doing, what they can still do, and the ethical responsibilities they carry during the elections.
In his address, Civic Watch Lead Dr. Ngala Desmond Ngala stressed that political parties can conduct elections without violent exchanges and inflammatory rhetoric. He urged them to engage in inclusive civic education and build effective communication and language skills while considering their responsibility to citizens and the wider community.
Turning to the media, Dr. Ngala reminded journalism association representatives that as agenda setters, they should not only depend on what politicians say but must also play a role in managing conflicting situations during on-air programs and coverage. He warned that what is published can either increase or reduce hate speech and xenophobic exchanges among supporters. Despite challenges such as limited access to sources, conflicts of interest, sensationalism, and political affiliations, journalists were urged to verify information before dissemination.
Youth and civil society organizations were also called upon to go beyond encouraging voter registration and to inspire active participation, helping citizens distinguish between positive and harmful practices.
Facilitating the session, Dr. Sakah Bernard noted that hate speech undermines community resilience by inciting violence, weakening democracy, fostering political apathy, deepening divisions, and intimidating advocates of diversity.
Grassroots approaches suggested by participants included interpersonal dialogues, youth peace advocacy clubs in schools and communities, and amplifying social media fact-checking.
Group discussions on community collaboration with political parties and the media produced recommendations such as organizing public hearings between political leaders and communities, building partnerships between local/regional media and politicians to promote fact-checking, and raising awareness on the dangers of citizen journalism.
At the close of the session, each stakeholder group called on its counterparts to remain focused on goals and purpose, form strong coalitions,form strong coalitions and strengthen connectors than feed dividers, and improve communication skills to foster unity before and after campaigns.
Taming the Algorithm: Reclaiming Editorial Integrity in the Age of AI: Who Still Holds the Pen When Machines Can Write the Story?
As Artificial Intelligence steadily integrates into newsrooms and editorial workflows, a powerful and unsettling question rises to the forefront of civic discourse: Who now holds the authorship of truth? At a time when algorithms can produce entire articles in a matter of seconds and when falsehoods often travel faster than facts, journalism finds itself at a profound crossroads. The core principles of accuracy, context, and public trust are being tested in ways never seen before. It is within this complex and rapidly evolving environment that Civic Watch steps into the conversation not to resist innovation, but to challenge it with a renewed commitment to responsibility and humanity. We believe that technological advancement must be matched with ethical reflection, and that truth must remain rooted in transparency, civic values, and the lived realities of communities. As AI reshapes the media landscape, our work seeks to ensure that the voices of citizens, not just code, continue to shape the narrative.
Reflections from Civic Watch’s AI and Journalism Press Lunch
On July 25, 2025, Civic Watch hosted another press lunch that did more than gather people around a table, but sparked a civic dialogue at the intersection of technology and truth. Under the guidance of Dr. Ngala Desmond, peacebuilding consultant and Founder of Civic Watch, the event brought together journalists, researchers, developers, and concerned citizens to confront one of the most urgent questions of our media age: What happens to journalism when Artificial Intelligence joins the newsroom?
Framed under the theme “Integrating AI in Journalism”, the gathering explored far more than just the technical capabilities of machines. It challenged attendees to reimagine the future of news, not as a battleground between humans and algorithms, but as a potential site for collaboration. Could editorial integrity coexist with machine-generated content? How do we preserve human judgment, context, and ethical nuance in a space increasingly influenced by automation? The conversation was honest, provocative, and necessary. Participants debated whether machine precision could ever match the values that underpin journalism: accountability, empathy, and public trust. Rather than offering simple answers, the press lunch opened space for critical inquiry and collective visioning. In a time when innovation often races ahead of reflection, Civic Watch’s press lunch was a timely pause—and a powerful reminder that the future of journalism must be shaped not just by code, but by conscience.
Rethinking Journalism Beyond the Algorithm
In a warm, bilingual setting that echoed Cameroon’s rich cultural identity, Civic Watch transformed its headquarters into a space for reflection, curiosity, and dialogue. This was no conventional press event, no podiums, no rigid formats, no scripted performances. Instead, the atmosphere was relaxed, intentionally intimate, and deeply participatory. Attendees from all walks of life, seasoned journalists, tech developers, media students, civic leaders, and curious citizens, came together not as spectators, but as co-creators in a conversation about the future of journalism in the age of AI. The diversity in the room was not just demographic; it was ideological, experiential, and generational. This pluralism underscores Civic Watch’s vision of inclusive civic innovation: a media landscape where people are not just passive recipients of information but active architects in shaping how stories are told, shared, and trusted. By centering dialogue over debate, and people over platforms, the event invited participants to rethink journalism beyond the algorithm toward a future that is not just technologically advanced, but also deeply human.
AI’s Tools, Journalism’s Purpose, and Ethical Anchors in a Shifting Landscape
At the heart of the conversation was a grounding in the real: real tools, real concerns, and real opportunities. Through an insightful and hands-on presentation, Nigerian AI-for-media expert Chinedu Hardy Nwadike demystified how journalists can engage with AI tools like ChatGPT, Deepseek etc. He walked participants through step-by-step strategies to craft effective prompts, showing not just what the technology can do, but how to use it with intention. “AI is a tool, not a replacement. It demands discipline, discernment, and human creativity,” Chinedu emphasised. “Using AI doesn’t make you lazy, it depends entirely on how you use it.” His message was clear: AI can accelerate the process of journalism, but it should never replace the thinking behind it. “It’s not about abandoning journalism to AI,” he added, “it’s about letting AI add value to your journalistic effort.” This theme of responsible integration was echoed and deepened by Dr. Hervé Tiwa, Executive Director of Med.IA Lab, whose contributions added a layer of critical reflection. While acknowledging the potential of tools like ChatGPT, Manus, Hugging Face, and Gamma to revolutionise article drafting, content generation, and visual storytelling, Dr. Tiwa struck a cautionary note. “AI is a double-edged sword,” he said. “It can enhance journalism, but only in the hands of ethical professionals who refuse to surrender authorship.” He warned against the temptation to chase efficiency at the cost of editorial integrity, reminding the room that journalism is not just about output, but about responsibility. “Journalists must never abandon their core mission to machines,” he declared. “The future of journalism doesn’t lie in outsourcing truth. It lies in reclaiming the tools and guiding their use with purpose.”
Perhaps the most memorable takeaway was his closing remark
“The future of journalism will not be written by AI, but by the journalists who master it.”
This sentiment captured the spirit of the day: cautious optimism, guided by ethics, and rooted in a shared belief that technology must serve humanity, not the other way around.
A Civic Manifesto for Human-Centered Media
What unfolded at Civic Watch’s press lunch was far more than a dialogue on digital tools; it emerged as a powerful civic manifesto for the future of journalism. Far from a starry-eyed embrace of emerging technology, the gathering offered a grounded, critical, and deeply values-driven perspective on what it means to inform, engage, and protect society in the AI era. “Journalism isn’t just about producing content,” declared Dr. Ngala Desmond, Founder of Civic Watch. “It’s about provoking thought, demanding accountability, and protecting democracy.” His words set the tone for an event that called on participants not just to adapt to change, but to shape it with intention and conscience. The message was unmistakable: journalism must evolve, but it must never dissolve. Civic Watch champions a vision of augmented journalism, where technology acts as an extension of human insight, not a replacement for it. In this model, AI becomes a tool for amplifying the journalist’s voice, not dulling it; for improving workflows, not erasing editorial responsibility. Dr. Ngala concluded with a timely and urgent reminder: “With presidential elections around the corner, misinformation is certainly on the rise. But with the AI tools discussed here today, I’m confident we’ll see more verification, more fact-checking, and more vigilance.”
In a time of technological disruption and democratic fragility, Civic Watch’s message rings clear: the future of media must remain human at its core, guided by truth, driven by ethics, and powered by people.
Déclaration de la « Coalition multi-acteurs pour la lutte contre la désinformation et les discours haineux lors des élections au Cameroun »,Juin 2025
À la veille de l’élection présidentielle et face à la montée des divisions, nous affirmons notre unité pour condamner fermement les discours de haine et réaffirmons notre engagement en faveur de la paix, de la tolérance et de l’unité nationale au Cameroun
Declaration of the “Multi-stakeholder coalition for the fight against misinformation and hate speech during elections in Cameroon,” June2025
In the face of rising divisive rhetoric on the eve of the Presidential elections, we stand united to condemn hate speech and reaffirm our commitment to peace, tolerance, and national unity in Cameroon.