In a press conference on May 17, three officials of the Cameroon government responded to questions on hate speech.
The Minister of Territorial Administration (MINAT), the Minister of Communication (MINCOM) and the Chair of the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism addressed hate speech which is exponentially increasing in Cameroon.
The press conference was organized as part of activities to mark the country’s 51st National Day which comes up on May 20, 2023.
Minister Atanga Nji Paul for the Ministry of Territorial Administration, Minister Rene Emmanuel Sadi for the Ministry of Communication and Peter Mafany Musonge as Chair of the Bilingualism and Multiculturalism Commission, all responded to questions from pressmen regarding hate speech.
It began with a speech from Minister Sadi on the background of hate speech and its manifestations. He noted that Cameroon’s diversity with numerous ethnic groups and cultures has sometimes created conflicts and consequentially, hate speech.
He said hate speech threatens peace, cohesion and unity. It breaths abuses, hatred, rejection, clashes, stigma, genocide and other injustices. Quoting the law, he reiterated that perpetrators would be punished. He however stated that government would educate people on dangers of hate speech and instill responsibility and patriotism. He highlighted that hate speech is highly prevalent on social media.
Responding to questions from the press on some law officials who have become law breakers by stirring the rise in hate speech, Minister Atanga Nji said some acts of hate speech are done unconsciously, reason why sensitization would be done continually before the law is applied on conscious and notorious perpetrators. The question of the work of the NCPBM especially at the regions was raised by journalists. In response, Mr Mafany Musonge said his commission has been on the field severally and has partnered with civil society organisations at different regions to fight hate speech and promote living together.
At the end of the press conference, all three officials noted that effective sensitization would be done with the use of multiple mechanisms to create awareness about hate speech in order to promote national integration, patriotism and a sense of responsibility.
By Mildred Ndum Wung Kum
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