Faced hate speech, the press must reconsider, the State must act.

Without hesitation and with a false sense of expertise, compatriots organise forums on social networks and televised debates to reinforce and deepen their hatred, judge, and condemn entire ethnic groups; who they hold accountable for alleged or real actions of some of their members.

Why is it a crime to tribalise political and social debates? 

The answer is obvious. This is because it fosters rejection of others and distrust toward those outside one’s group, and portrays them as imminent threats.

Preaching hatred, whether overtly or through insinuation, poses a serious threat to the social cohesion of our fragile nation.

Yet, as stated in the Global Charter of Ethics for Journalists, by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ): "A journalist shall ensure that the dissemination of information or opinion does not contribute to the spread of hatred or prejudice and shall strive to avoid facilitating discrimination based on geographic, racial, social, or ethnic origin, among others".

Some Cameroonian journalists blatantly trample on the fundamental principles of their profession.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, hate speech is defined as "any kind of communication, whether spoken, written, or behavioral, that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language against a person or a group of persons based on their identity".

But what do we see on Cameroonian television? What do we read on social media? A proliferation of hateful rhetoric and coded language inciting division. A competition of toxic stereotypes, each more nauseating than the last.

What professional pride can a journalist or panelist claim when they fuel resentment through crude generalisations? What goal does a politician pursue when they tolerate the spread of hate speech and intolerance within their ranks?

Certainly, the pre-electoral context fosters ideological camps and partisan allegiances. But today, polarisation is no longer centered on programs and ideas; instead, it is wrongly focused on ethnic origins.

Among these self-proclaimed keyboard warriors and TV commentators, the more moderate ones call for tribal solidarity in support of politicians from their Regions (a practice explicitly forbidden by law), while the more radical ones openly advocate the extermination of certain ethnic groups (a crime severely punishable by law). 

It is disturbing to see how the rhetoric escalates without consequences, with Sunday tribalists adding fuel to the fire, emboldened by their impunity. Beyond education, the true breeding ground for this divisive rhetoric and calls for violence is impunity. 

However, the law provides for prosecution and prison sentences for “anyone who, by any means, engages in hate speech or incites violence against individuals based on their tribal or ethnic affiliation.”

Freedom of expression cannot mean the freedom to spread hate. Article 241-1 of the Cameroonian Penal Code prescribes penalties of up to two years in prison and fines ranging from 300,000 to 3,000,000 CFA francs, for such offenses. 

Worse still, when the perpetrator is a civil servant, a political leader, or a journalist, these penalties are doubled, and mitigating circumstances are excluded.

The most revolting aspect is that hate speech often comes from intellectuals and opinion leaders; people we once thought were above such base behavior. 

A few years ago, a Cameroonian writer living abroad called for the extermination of a community, and we all looked away, out of discomfort or even shame. Yesterday, Cameroonians were chased from certain Regions of the country and their belongings looted. 

Surprisingly, no one raised a finger against such a shameful development. Today, we hear journalists and university professors openly spewing hatred against other communities; again, with impunity. And now, calls for murder are multiplying.

What is most chilling is the indifference of public authorities in the face of this dangerous drift, which threatens social cohesion and, by extension, the peace and stability of the country. 

Many States, including some of our neighbors, have descended into chaos due to the combined effects of hate speech and government complacency in the face of the ill.

Yet, the Cameroonian State has the means to curb this toxic wave spreading through the media and social networks.

In addition to the revised Penal Code, there are existing laws against cybercrime, the National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ANTIC), the National Commission for Bilingualism and Multiculturalism, and the National Communication Council (CNC). Each of these institutions has a role to play in combating hate speech. 

However, these mechanisms must be enforced rigorously and effectively, rather than remaining dormant while the danger grows.

Cameroonian media professionals must exercise restraint and responsibility, resisting the lure of sensationalism and the race for audience ratings.

Cameroon is a diverse nation composed of over 200 ethnic groups, all of which have spent barely half a century forging a shared national identity. 

Divisive rhetoric weakens this fragile social fabric and fuels dangerous antagonisms. 

Yet, communities today are deeply intertwined, bound by alliances, marriages, and kinship ties that transcend ethnic divisions. By fanning the flames of tribalism, some media outlets fail to grasp the risks they are imposing on society. 

History, particularly in Africa, is filled with tragic examples of how simple words led to horror and chaos. The media must refuse to act as amplifiers of hate and resentment, lest they become complicit in deepening the fractures they claim to expose.

The upcoming presidential election must not divide us. The stakes may be high, but they do not justify all excesses; especially since we already know that there will be one winner and many disappointed contenders.

The merchants of hate should not be allowed to parade freely on television platforms or social networks and tearing apart the fragile bonds of our nation. It is time for the press to reconsider its role and for the State to act.

*François Bambou, Publisher of Défis Actuels & President of One Nation (An association for the elimination of tribalism & the promotion of social cohesion);

*Georges Alain Boyomo, Publisher of Mutations;

*Séverin Tchounkeu, Publisher of La Nouvelle Expression & CEO of Équinoxe.

*Haman Mana, President of the Federation of Cameroon Newspaper Publishers (FEDIPRESSE) & Publisher of Le Jour;

*Kristian Ngah Christian, Vice President; Federation of Cameroon Newspaper Publishers (FEDIPRESSE), President; Cameroon English Language Newspaper Publishers' Association (CENPA) & Publisher of The Guardian Post;

*Guibaï Gatama, Publisher of L'Œil du Sahel;

*Émile Fidieck, Publisher of EcoMatin;

*Chantal Nga, Publisher Ladies News;

*Valentin Siméon Zinga, Publisher of Lignes d'Horizons & President of Médias, Médiations et Citoyenneté;

*Yerima Kini Nsom, The Post;

*Nancy Fawoh, Le Gideon;

*Randy Joe Sa'ah, The Daily Voice;

*Thierry Ndong Owono, Publisher, Intégration;

*Jean François Channong, Publisher, Le Messager;

*Michel Eclador Peckoua, Publisher of Ouest Échos;

*François Mboke, Publisher of Diapason & President of the Network of Press Owners