Ahead of 2025 elections: Rights stakeholders brainstorm strategy to curb hate speech, disinformation.

A high-level national consultation to this effect held from May 14 to 15. The event was organised by the United Nations Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa. 

It was chaired by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Communication, MINCOM, Félix Zogo, who represented Minister René Emmanuel Sadi. 

Also present was the representative of the Regional Director of the United Nations Human Rights Commission, Dr Laurent Akobi.

Addressing participants at the gathering, Dr Akobi said the alarming spread of disinformation is exacerbated by digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence, AI. 

“This phenomenon is taking on an unprecedented magnitude…constituting a serious threat to social cohesion, civil peace, fundamental rights and democratic fidelity,” he said.

Dr Akobi warned that the situation could deteriorate as the nation moves closer to its 2025 electoral cycle. 

“Erroneous content and disinformation are often articulated around pre-existing tribal or ethnic identities,” he noted, adding that: “What begins in the digital sphere is spreading dangerously…with real consequences on social cohesion and the integrity of the electoral process”. 

He called for collective action of all stakeholders to curb the growing phenomenon.

“We must join forces to promote a culture of truth, a culture of tolerance, mutual respect, and shared responsibility,” he said, stressing the importance of media participation in shaping a national strategy. “Your expertise, your contribution, and your commitment will be decisive to the success of this initiative,” he added.

The representative of the Minister of Communication, Félix Zogo, echoed similar concerns, weighing in on the existing laws Cameroon has in place to fight the phenomenon. 

“Hate speech and disinformation are punishable in Cameroon in the Penal Code and Law No.2010-012 on Cybersecurity and Cybercriminality, which criminalize these phenomena,” Zogo said.

He also cited the roles of regulatory bodies like the National Communication Council and the National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies, ANTIC.

“Despite this juridical and institutional arsenal, it is unfortunate to see that disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech persist,” the MINCOM scribe regretted. 

He said this is why awareness and consultation actions such as those undertaken by the United Nations will continue to benefit from the government's attention. 

“The consultation comes at a critical time as Cameroon prepares for a pivotal presidential election in 2025. Let all institutional and professional actors and those from civil society join their efforts in the objective of blocking the way to hate speech, disinformation, and misinformation,” he appealed. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3450 of Friday May 16, 2025