From #FactsMatter237 to #AFFCameroon and Winning the #MIL South Shore Award

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Written by Kanda Honourine

Changing Narratives on Information Integrity in Cameroon. A Journey of Fact-Checking, Media Literacy, and Digital Empowerment

#FactsMatter237 Fellows

It all started in 2020 with #FactsMatter237 with a vision of educating bloggers, content creators, and community leaders on information verification, fact-checking, data journalism, and digital rights educating media professionals, both online and offline in Cameroon. #FactsMatter237 was aimed at monitoring and mapping viral trends on social media related to the key thematic issues in Cameroon. After the outburst of the Anglophone crisis in 2016 and the 2018 presidential elections, the social media space in Cameroon was full of hate speech, misinformation, incitement to violence, and violent extremism. #FactsMatter237 came in to join other existing platforms like Data Cameroon, STOPBLABLACAM, Stopintox.cm to create awareness on #MIL. With 7 fellows Pedmia Shatu, Tarhyang Tabe, Frank William Batchou, Fotso Fonkam, Marc Ghislain, Armelle Sitchoma, and Romuald Landry Nguemkap, the train was on the move. Following the success of the #FactsMatter fellowship and the feedback from partners and fellows, the program was renamed Africa Fact-checking fellowship. It later moved to #AFFCameroon with fellows from cohorts one to ten. Dedicated fellows who found the training interesting, adventurous, and full of discoveries. Fellows worked hard to write Social Media Health Reports, which are all about information online that could affect the country and that made a lot of noise in the social media space. Additionally, they fact-checked articles that are published on the 237Check website. Fellows had specialised meetups in their various communities. They organised meetings with youths, students, pupils, women, community leaders, etc., to share the dangers of spreading false information, propagating hate speech, and the wrong use of social media. The meetups helped fellows understand and master the work better. 

#FactsMatter237 fellows become cohort 1 fellows of #AFFCameroon.

The #AfricaFactCheckingFellowship (AFFCameroon) is an initiative by #defyhatenow started in partnership with Data Cameroon and Paul Joel Kamtchang being the main trainer at that time was aimed at promoting fact-checking, data journalism, and digital rights among journalists, bloggers, and content creators in Africa. Fellows of each cohort had a three-month program that was geared towards providing fellows with skill sets and tools needed to tackle misinformation challenges in their countries and communities. AFFCameroon programs consist of three main stages, each running through one month and ending with a particular assignment. From discovery to practical sessions, and going to the field. They fellows had an assignment to share knowledge learned with their communities and bring feedback and difficulties encountered.

Fellows have been trained from all regions in Cameroon, and as such, #AFFCameroon fellows can be spotted in each region in the national territory, including Chad. 

#AFFCameroon Fellows in Session 

Under the coordination of Donald Tchiengue and supervision of Dr. Ngala Desmond Ngala, AFFCameroon moved to the grand North which was termed “ Special Grand Nord”. ‘Special,’ because of its distance and many youths from that region were not very much versed with how to use the internet, how to email and use social media. It brought about journalists from Maroua, Garoua and Ngoundere and it was a beautiful experience for fellows who asked for more of such training. The training in the grand North gave light to “ Septentrion Check” founded by some of the fellows trained by #237Check in Garoua. 

Digital Coordinator Donald Tchiengue with AFFCameroon cohort 10 fellows in session.

Aside from training and fact checking, the AFFCameroon program shed more on how they could behave online, communicate and post. After the training, fellows produced documentaries and television and radio programs like; Junior Haussin Noulapoum Kuaye’s programm, who presents a  fact checked articles on Wednesdays entitled “OUI ou NON” on the Canal 2 International television channel., a documentary by Jabi Katy Chale titled: Breaking The Silence: A Survivor’s Journey Against Hate. By 2024, 250 fellows had been trained with each having a positive impact on their professional as well as private life and it has reached 20,000 people through its community engagement. Other fellows, such as Mbuh Stella  and Badal Fohmoh have created fact checking pages “ Factbox” and “ Class Pro,” respectively on facebook and X ( formerly Twitter), where they share fact checking tips. Some Cohort 9 fellows, passionate about the training and knowledge they gained during their time at #AFFCameroon, created an initiative after their training known as “Facthunters.”

This initiative is aimed at sensitizing online users about hate speech, misinformation, disinformation, and the importance of fact-checking.

Read full article on #AFFCameroon’s success story here.

Dr. Ngala Desmond Ngala #defyhatenow Cameroon Country Project Manager in session with Fellows

Two major #AFFCameroon conferences were organised in 2022 under the theme “Toward a Synergy of Actions Against Mis/Disinformation and the Spread of Hate Speech for Peace and Development in Cameroon,” followed by the 2024 edition held under the theme, “Combating Digital Threats to Elections in Cameroon: Strategies to Fight Disinformation During the Electoral Period.”

These impactful gatherings brought together public and private institutions, diplomatic missions, international and regional organizations, civil society organisations, educational institutions, media professionals, and AFFCameroon Fellows. The aim was to create a synergy of actions and find effective solutions to reduce the negative effects of misinformation and disinformation on lasting peace and social cohesion in Cameroon and Africa at large.

Through plenary sessions, workshops, insightful masterclasses, and rich networking opportunities, the conferences made participants determined and afresh to tackle disinformation. Fellows left with renewed zeal to amplify their work online, fact-check information thoroughly, and actively debunk fake news. For many, the events offered a deeper understanding of what fact-checking truly involves, how misinformation and disinformation are spread, and practical ways to identify and reduce them.

Importantly, the conferences paved the way for new partnerships with fact-checking organizations, government bodies, civil society organisations, individuals, and private institutions. We remain open to even more collaborations and sponsorships, particularly to extend our reach into underdeveloped areas of Cameroon. These are places where misinformation, hate speech, and violent extremism are the order of the day, but awareness and sensitization remain low.

Our vision is to reach these communities, especially those with limited access to information or the internet, and empower them with the tools to access, assess, and share accurate information both in their communities and online.

#AFFCameroon Conference.

AFFCameroon wins the 2025 #MIL Impact Award prize in Marseille, France, it is a milestone achievement that deserves celebration by doubling efforts and engaging more communities across Africa to promote safe online spaces, digital rights, and a #HateFreeAfrica.

This award comes at a time when Cameroon’s social media space is overwhelmed with hateful content stemming from intertribal conflicts and political rivalries, as the country faces election fever. This is a crucial period that calls for increased action from the #defyhatenow AFFCameroon program and its fellows to ensure the elections proceed smoothly and peacefully.

It requires intensified sensitization on the responsible use of social media, the importance of thinking before clicking (#ThinkB4UClick), staying respectful, valuing others’ opinions, and correcting misinformation or harmful content online in a respectful manner.

#AFFCameroon announced winner of the South Shore #MIL Award in Marseille, France.

#MIL Impact Award won by #AFFCameroon fellowship

#defyhatenow Country Project Manager Dr. Ngala Desmond Ngala  with the Rives Sud MIL Prize

Reactions of former AFFCameroon fellows. 

Nota Mbeunkeu Lenae Martinez

Corporate Communications Officer & Fact Hunter ( #AFFCameroon Cohort 9 Fellow)

AFF Cameroon has been a game-changer for me. I’ve learned to think before I click and consider the impact of my words. This newfound mindfulness helps me navigate conversations with care, ensuring I contribute positively. Beyond personal growth, AFF Cameroon has provided invaluable networking opportunities, introducing me to professionals who are shaping my career path. I’m grateful for the experience and thrilled to be part of the fact-checking community. Thank you, AFF Cameroon, for this enriching journey.

Francine AGNAMA

Hello Everyone,

Je suis Francine AGNAMA journaliste, diplômée de L’ESSTIC option Édition et Arts Graphiques, Boursière de la 10eme Cohorte #AFFCameroon. Présentatrice du journal du week-end sur Bnews1 le Tam-Tam du continent. Ma formation à AFFCameroon a été l’ouverture d’une porte des étoiles dans ma vie sur le plan professionnel. Avant j’étais journaliste Oui mais Sans valeur ajoutée, Aujourd’hui je peux reconnaître en un laps de temps si une information est vraie ou fausse. Aujourd’hui je suis une pièce maîtresse dans mon lieu de service. Je suis celle qu’on sollicite quand il faut vérifier la véracité d’une information contribuant ainsi à la lutte contre la désinformation sans cesse croissante. Aujourd’hui je suis Factcheuse grâce à AFFCAMEROON.

Merci , Merci,  Merci 🙏🏾

Parfait Taiwe ( Bourscier de la cohort 6 d’#AFFCameroon)

Lorsque j’ai commencé à m’engager dans la lutte contre la désinformation, je ne possédais aucune connaissance en fact-checking. C’est lors de ma sélection par #AFFCameroon, dans le cadre du programme #defyhatenow, que j’ai découvert les principes fondamentaux du fact-checking, appris à structurer un article de vérification et à maîtriser plusieurs techniques de vérification des faits.

Grâce à cette formation, j’ai poursuivi dans cette voie avec le soutien d’AFFCameroon, en menant des actions sur le terrain et en contribuant à la rédaction d’articles de vérification des faits. Ce parcours m’a conduit à intégrer Code for Africa en tant que formateur.

Aujourd’hui, mon rôle au sein de Code for Africa consiste à animer des sessions de formation et à accompagner les rédactions, les individus ainsi que les organisations de la société civile (OSC) sur les questions liées au fact-checking.

Pechuqui Laurata (#AFFCameroon cohort 7 fellow.) 

The African Fact-Checking Fellowship (AFF) Cameroon transformed my approach to journalism, equipping me with the skills to detect and counter misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech. It empowered me to share these tools with others through workshops and storytelling.

As a result, my report on youth and hate speech won Best Story on Peace and Peaceful Coexistence at the 2023 ABC Awards. I also produced a documentary on hate speech’s impact on young people, was awarded Best Documentary at the 2024 Camraise Academy Awards, and received the Video4Peace Award from Defyhatenow. In the same year, I was named Peace Journalist of the Year at the Victoria International Media Merit Awards.

AFF Cameroon has positioned me as a national voice for truth, peace, and responsible journalism.

COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE: AFFCameroon Remporte Un Prestigieux Prix d’Excellence pour la Promotion de l’éducation aux Médias et La Vérification des Faits en Afrique

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_FR_Press Release _Rives Sud MIL Prize

PRESS RELEASE: #AFFCameroon Wins Prestigious Excellence Award for Advancing Media Literacy and Fact-Checking in Africa

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EN_ Press Release _Rives Sud MIL Prize ..docx
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FROM SILENCE TO ACTION: PARADIGM INITIATIVE, CIVIC WATCH PARTNER TO CHAMPION DIGITAL RIGHTS IN CAMEROON.

Group Picture with Participants.

When 30 -year-old Manka’a (Not her real name) from Bamenda began receiving anonymous threats on Facebook after reporting on the  Anglophone crisis, she thought it was a one-off, but the harassment grew relentless, derogatory messages, and death threats flooded her inbox. Feeling unsafe, she deactivated her social media accounts, effectively cutting herself off from the digital world.

“I felt silenced and alone,” Manka’a recalls. “I didn’t even know if there were laws to protect people like me online so I had to run out of Bamenda for my safety.”

Manka’a’s experience mirrors that of many Cameroonians whose rights are violated in digital spaces, often with little knowledge of how to seek redress.

This narrative is beginning to shift, thanks to initiatives like the Digital Rights Academy co-organized on April 14, 2025 by  Paradigm Initiative and Civic Watch.

The one day academy brought together journalists, civil society actors, and communication experts in Yaounde for a deep dive into digital rights, data protection, and advocacy strategies. It came at a pivotal moment, as Cameroon heads toward a high-stakes presidential election later this year an event historically marred by censorship, internet blackouts, and harassment of online voices.

Dr. Desmond Ngala, President/Founder Civic Watch

“I think data rights in Cameroon today are no longer a taboo topic,” said Ngala Desmond, Founder of Civic Watch. “Unlike before, we’re seeing a surge in awareness, but also an increase in violations, especially as we approach the elections. This partnership between Civic Watch and Paradigm Initiative could not have come at a better time.”

Paradigm Initiative’s Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan, emphasized that digital rights are fundamental human rights. “If the digital environment does not support the rights of citizens, we will never achieve a thriving digital economy,” he said. “Every internet shutdown, every act of surveillance, costs a country, not just politically, but economically.”

‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director Paradigm Initiative

Through interactive sessions and real-life case studies, the academy introduced participants to key resources such as LONDA, a research report assessing digital rights across twenty six African countries and REPOTI, an online platform where citizens can report digital rights violations and seek redress.

For Ngala Hansel, a journalist and participant, the experience was eye-opening.

“The digital rights bill passed just four months ago, and until now, it was all blurry to me,” he admitted. “I now understand how to protect people’s information, and more importantly, how to protect myself.”

As elections loom, Hansel expressed concerns shared by many Cameroonian journalists.

Ngala Hansel, Journalist/Participant

“We’re expected to critique power, but here, that’s often treated like treason. Now I know where the legal lines are and when to take the risk to speak the truth.”

The forum also spotlighted a deeper cultural issue; the normalization of silence.

“Citizens have become so used to rights violations that they call it ‘resilience’,” ‘Gbenga observed. “But that’s just acceptance. True advocacy demands we push back, document, and demand better.”

With platforms like the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) set to hold its next edition in Zambia later this month, Paradigm Initiative continues to create safe spaces for these crucial conversations.

As the final session wrapped up, participants were urged to take what they had learned beyond the academy.

cross section of participants in session

Ngala Desmond echoed a call to action. He said “Nobody is going to make this job easy for you. Speak up when rights are violated”. Let’s be clear, governments aren’t the only violators. Users, platforms, and regulators all have a role.”

“You’re communication experts,” ‘Gbenga said. “Mix that with your new knowledge and tell the world what a digital Africa should look like, one where rights are respected, and no one is forced offline” just like it was for  Manka’a.

Communiqué de presse sur l’augmentation alarmante des discours de haine sur les différentes plateformes de médias sociaux au Cameroun

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Disinformation in Africa : Analysis on Meta’s decision to end Third-party fact-checking programme

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By Kanda Honourine & Donald Tchiengue

On Tuesday 7th January 2025 Mark Zuckerberg announced with the caption “More speech and fewer mistakes” that Meta was ending its fact checking programme with third party fact checkers on Facebook, Threads and Instagram  and they will be replaced by “community notes” starting in the United States of America. According to the founder of Facebook, third party fact-checking programme has become too politically biased and it was time to go around freedom of speech. However, in practice since 2016(when the program was launched), as it’s mentioned in this article, the programme has helped organizations around the world to prevent and mitigate the spread of false information and the escalation of tensions and violence between communities. While this decision is limited to USA for the time being, there is concern that it could extend to the rest of the world and in Africa; 

Particularly in Cameroon, where misinformation and hate speech have in the past contributed to amplifying tensions, tribal hatred and plunging the country into a socio-political crisis since 2017. In 2025 this is likely to worsen; as it’s a year of major elections, for which malicious misinformation, disinformation, fake news, hate speech and incitement to violence on Meta platforms have already been observed, posing a serious threat to the promotion of democracy, human rights and digital rights. 

Civic Watch Cameroon  through its fact-checking components ( 237 Check and Africa Fact-checking Fellowship), is deeply concerned by this decision, which appears to be a deal breaker  on the primacy of credible information and truth on the internet, and implicitly on the promotion of social cohesion. Because without truth, there can be no peace amongst men. As the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres once said, “the denial of historical or scientific facts creates a vacuum of truth that is all too easily exploited by the voices of intolerance and hate”. So, today the question on the one hand is how can this policy affect social media users in Cameroon who are in an electoral year in case the policy is implemented in Africa? On the other hand, what can be done to move beyond Mark Zuckerberg’s decision?

Potential effects Of Meta’s Policy to drop third party fact-checking program in Africa 

This decision to drop fact-checkers could have several effects in Africa and  Cameroon in particular . 

  1. Increase dis/misinformation and incitement of hate and violence: It’s important to point out that the practice of fact-checking fundamentally advances in an environment where freedom of expression is valued and encouraged, as it’s a tool for accountability, transparency and monitoring of public speech and action.  It is imperative to note that fact-checkers are not against freedom of expression and free speech. Rather, with their work, they enable the right to freedom of expression to be respected and promoted, along with the right to credible information and respect for human life. However, while the right to freedom of expression is an inalienable right for all, it should not be used as an unhealthy pretext to produce and disseminate erroneous discourse with the aim of stigmatizing or smearing individuals or communities. Thus, the work of fact-checking organizations through this program has helped to prevent and protect vulnerable and/or minority communities from being exposed to hate and violence caused by untrue information. Putting an end to  this programme today would be tantamount to giving a green light to malicious people to spread messages that are biased or fabricated to cause harm.    
  1. Undermining Trust in the Media and Digital Information: For some time now, social media has played an important role in shaping the lives of the public, who sometimes rely on them to make informed decisions that are crucial to their health and well-being. Many people turn to social media as an alternative to mainstream news, but this shift comes with challenges. Removing this program means exposing billions of Internet users to the hoaxes and conspiracy theories that circulate online with the aim of influencing perceptions and ideas. Reliable, verified facts are the basis for effective decision-making by individuals, companies and governments. They also contribute to healthy, objective and constructive public debate. They therefore enable citizens to make informed decisions on important issues, be they political, health or other social. So, the absence of such a fact-checking programme could contribute to a decrease in trust in digital information, particularly among users who are not well-versed in identifying unreliable sources.
  2.  Transparency and responsibility of content are challenged:  While the democratization of the use of ICTs and Internet appears to be an important revolution in the history of humanity, it also presents a threat to the social contract as defined by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In an environment where anyone can create and disseminate information without a prior verification exercise, the trust gap between citizens and the State and its constituent institutions will widen without moral, ethical and regulatory accountability. To avoid this, fact-checkers, and by extension journalists, have a responsibility to answer for the information they disseminate. In their day-to-day work, fact-checkers are governed by a code of ethics that sets out their working methods. In the case of international fact-checking, for example, there is a code of principles and ethics that assesses the level of impartiality, transparency and objectivity of the verification content to which organizations must subscribe. So when information is verified by non-partisan actors, it reinforces people’s trust in news sources and the media. This contributes to the openness and credibility of institutions.   
  1. The Risk of Amplifying Harmful Narratives ( Hate Speech, Incitement To Violence): In Cameroon, Meta’s platforms (Facebook – Instagram – WhatsApp) have been used to spread both constructive discussions and hate speech. In times of crisis, such as the ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions, false information about government actions, human rights abuses, and international interventions are often amplified through  social media.

The removal of fact-checking third parties programmes means that these harmful narratives, which have the possibility to escalate violence or spark unrest, will not be easily mitigated. It can be dangerous during periods of social unrest, where misinformation can lead to further violence, human rights violations, and destabilization.

Alternatives to continue the fight against dis/misinformation 

Needless to say that Mark Zuckerberg’s decision will not stop the work of fact-checkers around the world. Even if it does set back the fight against misinformation on Meta platforms. This unexpected decision is a timely reminder of the urgent need to develop other alternatives to support the work of fact-checkers and journalists.The aim is to increase the number of fact-checkers who can contribute to mitigating misinformation within their community, based on a bottom-up approach. This will not only increase the amount of content available for verification, but also multiply the number of communication channels to help rebalance the virality of fake news.  The greater the number of credible, community-based fact-checkers who use local techniques, languages and contextual realities, and communication channels ( such as community radio, WhatsApp platforms and shouting), the easier it will be to stem the tide of false information, especially in public health and during electoral periods. This is the challenge we’ve set ourselves with the #AFFCameroon program over the past 5 years through the organizations of physical meetups specially in conflict-affected areas in Cameroon. 

Cree awareness of the consequences of public health misinformation on WhatsApp in a rural community 

On the other hand, it’s a question now of continuing to federate the efforts and resources of different players to tackle the spread of dis/misinformation. This involves setting up forums for collaboration and resources mobilization between journalists, civil society, state institutions, multinationals/companies and digital platform proprietors to find protocols and mechanisms for regulating and censoring digital offenses, while encouraging the promotion of human rights, democracy, the safety of Internet users and the consolidation of peace. The recent examples of coalitions in Nigeria and Senegal are an illustration of how it is possible to bring together those involved in countering misinformation to reduce the curve of fake news during crucial periods such as elections.  

Another alternative especially in an African context where digital literacy and internet penetration rate are still low, Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is essential to develop critical skills to analyze, evaluate and understand the information to which individuals are exposed. Given the deletion of this program on Meta, it’s necessary to step up awareness-raising and training campaigns on MIL, to enable people to distinguish between reliable and dubious sources, to spot bias and manipulation, and to encourage responsible media consumption. 

To sum up, if we don’t have a fact-checking programme, why can’t Meta set up autonomous regional fact-checking teams, totally independent of political influences and ideologies, to work with moderation teams? In other words, as proposed by the International Fact-checking Network (IFCN), in addition to community notes, it would be interesting to consider setting up teams of fact-checking professionals to work with Meta’s content moderation teams. Particularly in Africa, user experience on X (formerly Twitter) shows that very little information about most sub-Saharan African countries is debunked via community notes. Rather,  it would be advisable to have such decentralized teams operating not located in the USA, but in the African geographical space, constantly immersing themselves in local realities, linguistic, cultural, socio-political, even anthropological and economic dynamics to reduce bias in content moderation.

Celebrating Cultural Diversity for Peace: The Peace Weavers’ Cultural Day Journey

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Celebrating Cultural Diversity for Peace: The Peace Weavers’ Cultural Day Journey

Peace Weavers are community youth leaders selected from diverse backgrounds in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon. Their mission is to promote peace both online and offline. Offline, they work to foster peace in their communities, neighborhoods, and beyond, while also promoting cultural diversity.

The Peace Weavers’ cultural day on November 8, 2024, was a vibrant celebration of Cameroon’s extraordinary diversity and an important step in promoting unity and peace. By showcasing the country’s rich tapestry of ethnic traditions, the event highlighted not just the beauty of Cameroon’s 240+ ethnic groups, but also the power of inclusion and understanding in both the workplace and broader community.

The theme, “Embracing Cultural Diversity by Celebrating and Integrating Diverse Traditions in the Workplace and Community“, was a timely and important call for recognizing the value of cultural differences. Cameroon, often called “Africa in Miniature” for its wide range of ethnic, linguistic, and ecological diversity, provided the perfect backdrop for such an event. From the rhythmic traditional dances to the delicious local dishes, the event fostered an appreciation for the traditions that define each community, while also stressing the importance of creating spaces where these cultures can coexist harmoniously.

The Peace Weavers, by organizing this cultural day, not only celebrated these rich traditions but also created a platform for dialogue and mutual respect. In today’s increasingly globalized world, initiatives like this are crucial for fostering collaboration across cultural divides. By integrating diverse traditions into both the workplace and local communities, organizations and individuals can contribute to building stronger, more peaceful, and inclusive societies.

The event served as a powerful reminder that peace is not just the absence of conflict, but the active recognition and celebration of what makes each culture unique. Through such gatherings, Cameroon is making strides in weaving together its many threads of identity into a more unified and peaceful future.

The goal of the celebration was to honor and appreciate the unique cultures that contribute to peace, development, and sustainability in Cameroon. The event aimed to help participants realize that the true value lies not in the differences between cultures, but in what can be achieved when these cultures are embraced and celebrated. 

This initiative will empower youth leaders from the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon to share with their communities that cultural differences need not be a barrier, but rather a source of strength. Celebrating cultural diversity is important because it encourages unity, promotes understanding and tolerance, preserves cultural heritage, and contributes to peaceful coexistence within communities.

Cultural diversity encourages unity by bringing people from different backgrounds together to share and discover their common heritage. Through traditional dances, meals, clothing, and history, individuals can connect over shared values and experiences.

It also promotes understanding and tolerance. By embracing cultural diversity, people develop a greater understanding and appreciation for one another’s customs and traditions. This, in turn, fosters a spirit of tolerance, which can help build a #HateFreeCameroon—one of the key objectives of the youth leaders.

Another important aspect of celebrating culture is the preservation of cultural heritage. Through traditional music, dance, food, and arts, communities can grow closer as they celebrate these valuable traditions. Many of these practices have historical significance, and preserving them ensures that they are passed down to future generations.

Family photo of Peace Weavers with Hon. Ghejung Awunti & Mme Ngwe Millicent

The event was graced by a representative from the North West Regional Assembly, Hon. Ghejung Awunti, who urged the attendees to embrace their cultural heritage and use it as a tool for fostering unity within their communities. He highlighted the Regional Assembly’s commitment to peacebuilding through its Peace Development Initiative, which aligns with the work being done by the #PeaceWeavers. Hon. Awunti emphasized that through this initiative, the Assembly is open to supporting youth-led projects focused on community peace.

Hon. Ghejung Awunti, Commissioner for Economic Development At The North West Regional Assembly,

In the same vein, the regional coordinator of the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism Ngwe Millicent congratulated the youth for their efforts in building peace. She further emphasized that it is within the Commission’s mandate to combat Hate Speech and Xenophobia. She assured the youth that the Commission is willing to support such initiatives to ensure that peace and security are maintained in the region.

Mme Ngwe Millicent, Regional Coordinator of the NCPBM Bamenda

The Cultural Day was celebrated with the Peace Weavers showcasing various activities to highlight their traditions, which they hold dear.

The event began with the participants donning their beautiful cultural attire, proudly displaying their heritage in the presence of their guests. As they made their entrance, they were warmly welcomed by Mbuh Stella, who spoke about the concept of cultural heritage as a tool for mitigating hate speech within communities. She emphasized that while people may come from different tribes or backgrounds, this should not lead to division, and communities can live together harmoniously.

Mbuh Stella, Stakeholder Engagement at #defyhatenow

Another engaging discussion was led by Dr. Kinang Derick, who addressed the topic of “Promoting Cultural Diversity for Peacebuilding in Cameroon.” He concluded by reminding the participants that it doesn’t matter which community one identifies with; what truly matters is the shared humanity that unites us all. This common bond, he suggested, should be the foundation for working toward peace and safeguarding humanity.

Dr.Kinang Derick Conflict Research and Activity Implementation Coordinator.

The Peace Weavers then introduced themselves and shared with the participants how people are traditionally greeted in their communities. They also demonstrated the process of crowning an Ardo in the Mbororo community. One of the Peace Weavers, Abubakar Aliyu, was honored by being crowned the Ardo of the Peace Weavers Cohort 2.

Coronation of the Peace Weavers’ Ardo

In addition, they presented a sketch that illustrated how two cultures the Muslim and Christian communities are united through marriage.

Some of the Peace Weavers also shared their traditional meals, explaining how they are prepared. Mali Martha-Noel introduced a dish from Bali called Fufu Corn and Timtim, while Ngueubou Njantio Merveille and Meyanwieh Diana Queency  presented Achu with yellow soup, black soup, and  Kossam and Dakere were presented by Abubakar Aliyu and Naihibu Musa Ndemsah.

Testing of Fufu Corn and Timtim

The day was brought to a close with a vibrant dance performance by the Peace Weavers, marking the end of the Cultural Day celebrations.

Traditional Dance Display

Kanda Honourine, the coordinator of the Peace Weavers, wrapped up the event with a heartfelt thank you to both the guests and the Peace Weavers. She reminded everyone that diversity is not a barrier, but rather a powerful resource. When we recognize and celebrate our differences, it has the potential to foster greater unity and drive progress for all.

Kanda Honourine, Community Coordinator 

By the end of the Cultural Day celebration, most participants expressed their satisfaction and shared that they had learned a great deal from the experience. Here are some key takeaways from a few of the peace weavers:

  1. NDZI Etienne NGAH: The discussion on identity sparked diverse perspectives. Some believed it can change, while others argued it can only be modified. The resounding lesson: identity remains constant. Our true identity defines us, shaping our humanity. Embracing this essence fosters equality, freedom, and tolerance. When we recognize each other’s shared humanity, we build a world where:- Diversity is celebrated
  • Individuality is valued
  • Unity is strengthened

Let’s cherish our authentic selves and acknowledge the inherent worth of every human being.

  1. YANGOUE TETA FOZO: I was overwhelmed during our cultural Day at peace weavers cohort two session 2.The part that caught my attention was the closing, and we who left the place late fought to eat the various traditional meals that were prepared by various participants. I enjoyed the fufu corn brought by my #PeaceWeavers sister, Mali. Without forgetting the dance part where we all danced to traditional songs from the various tribes we come from. The joy we shared in those moments is just a clear example of what we will have if we kick out hate speech and embrace ourselves as humans.
  1. Lum Evi Claire Achem: The Cultural day was very interesting and educational. I had lived with Muslims but never known how the installed their rulers this cultural day gave me inside to this new knowledge which will help me much in my community programming

Civic Watch and UNESCO MGIEP carry a two day training of trainers on media literacy.

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Association Civic Watch is pleased to partner with UNESCO MGIEP to train journalists and content creators in media literacy. This partnership began with a delegation from India that joined the Civic Watch team in Douala, Cameroon, to kick off their first onsite training session. The Civic Watch team, led by Ngala Desmond Ngala, welcomed Dr. Obijiofor Aginam, Director of UNESCO MGIEP, along with Richa Bansal, Associate National Project Officer for SEL Youth Projects, and Anurag Deep, Associate National Project Officer for Digital Pedagogy Design. Together, they trained 40 participants in media literacy.

The two-day training, held from October 4th to 5th, focused on the theme “Media Literacy Course: Fostering a Cognitive Approach.” This training is particularly timely as Cameroon approaches its election period in 2025, a time characterised by a surge in information that often includes misinformation, fake news, and hate speech.

The training aims to equip participants to become active digital citizens capable of evaluating the effects of online behaviour. They will learn to identify messages online, assess the credibility of information sources, and distinguish between false information and fake news. This program will foster an emotional approach that participants can apply in their communities.

Richa Bansal and Anurag Deep, the main trainers, shared the focus of the training. They trained the Young Master Trainers on topics such as Media Literacy, Misinformation, Disinformation, Fake News, Fact-checking, Source Credibility, Media Bias, Hate Speech, Perspective Talk, and Critical Inquiry.

Participants identified as Young Master Trainers in Media Literacy will become trainers in their communities after the workshop. This is a unique aspect of the training, which aims to empower youth to navigate the social media landscape effectively. Participants also went through a Social Emotional Course, which will assist them in their community training.

At the end of the workshop, participants will receive certificates. Additionally, the training will continue online, with participants able to undergo free online training that also includes a certificate upon completion. Feel free to check out this link to take a course. https://mgiep.unesco.org/media-literacy . You can also visit this link to take any course of your choice here https://mgiep.unesco.org/ .

An interview provided further insights into the training and the partnership between the two organizations.

While in Douala on October 4, 2024, Civic Watch, led by Ngala Desmond, visited the MTN Douala office with members of UNESCO Yaoundé, Hugues Ndih, and Serge Bayembe, alongside Richa Bansal from UNESCO MGIEP. This visit aimed to discuss how collaboration between these entities could help promote effective communication while implementing Media and Information Literacy (MIL).

During Dr. Obijiofor Aginam’s visit to Yaoundé, he had the opportunity to meet some of Civic Watch’s partners. He visited the UNESCO Yaoundé office and met with the Cameroon National Youth Council, the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism (NCPBM), the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education, the Pan African Institute, the Protestant University, and the Advanced School of Mass Communication (ASMAC). They discussed how Media Literacy, Peace Education, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) courses can be implemented in institutions, schools, and media organizations in Cameroon.  

These efforts are promising for the future of implementing MIL and SEL courses in #Cameroon, as these skills are essential for building peaceful communities and bridging divides among young people, communities, religions, and tribes. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a #HateFreeCameroon through collective efforts from the government, private sector, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and international bodies. Civic Watch is determined to collaborate with partners to bridge these divides and promote social cohesion. 

Reaction from participants.

1- Tanta Patience: “ The key messages I took home from the just ended training on media and information literacy are, the importance of critically evaluating the sources and credibility of information we see and share on social media platforms. In this digital age, understanding how we effectively navigate, analyze, and share reliable media content is crucial to becoming informed as creators of information. Also, being empowered to combat misinformation and engage meaningfully with diverse perspectives. Also, being able to understand what we see on social media before reacting is of utmost importance ”.

2- Abubakar Aliyu: “ My key take-home message from the recent Media Information Literacy (MIL) training is the profound impact that media literacy has on our communities. I have learned some vital aspects, including: 

 Hate Speech Undermines Social Cohesion: It’s crucial to recognize how harmful language can fracture our communities and promote division. Addressing hate speech is essential for fostering unity and understanding.

Taking Sight is Media Bias: Understanding media bias helps us critically analyze the information we consume, enabling us to distinguish between objective reporting and subjective viewpoints. 

Clear Communication and Mindfulness Enhance Understanding: Effective communication is not just about conveying messages but also about being mindful of how those messages are received. This awareness can significantly improve our interactions and comprehension. 

Check the Information and Source Credibility: I’ve learned the importance of verifying facts and assessing the credibility of sources. This skill is essential in navigating today’s information landscape, where misinformation can easily spread. Additionally, I have gained new knowledge and skills that empower me to contribute positively to my community. Networking with many individuals from diverse backgrounds has been invaluable. We are all united in our goal to enhance media information literacy and train others in our communities. Together, we can create a more informed society that values critical thinking and responsible media consumption. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned and to collaborate with others to scale up these essential skills”.