Nico Halle proffers fresh solutions to tackling hate speech, xenophobia.

The Douala-based legal luminary and foremost human rights lawyer made the proposals while speaking on Cameroon Radio Television, CRTV’s flagship programme, Cameroon Calling.

During the programme aired at the close of 2025, the former Bar Association General Assembly President commented on a wide range of issues affecting the polity including hate speech, elections, corruption, and the urgent need for moral rearmament.

Widely celebrated as a peace crusader, Ntumfor Nico Halle who is a recipient of over 203 national and international awards, said the distinctions serve not as a badge of pride, but as a call to deeper humility and service.

A devout Christian of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, PCC, Nico Halle described Christmas as a period of spiritual renewal rather than festivity.

“Christmas is a spiritual feast during which we commemorate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ,” he said, explaining that the season was marked by prayer, church services, family fellowship, and reflection.

For him, the celebration was an opportunity to reconnect with faith at a time when the nation itself is searching for moral direction.

Reflecting on 2025, Nico Halle delivered a harsh but candid verdict. He described the year as one filled with disorder, tension, and disappointment, particularly surrounding Cameroon’s presidential and regional elections.

“It was a very disturbing year,” he said, noting that the conduct of several key stakeholders exposed a troubling level of moral and civic decline.

The African Union election expert expressed deep frustration with what he termed unpatriotic behaviour, arguing that the exchanges before, during, and after the October 2025 presidential election did not bring credit to the nation.

“I doubt the patriotism of those who behaved the way they did,” he stated, adding that many Cameroonians felt betrayed by leaders who failed to meet ethical and moral expectations.

How to tackle hate speech…

On the growing menace of hate speech, peace advocate insisted that the problem goes far beyond offensive language. He said hate speech is the result of unresolved structural injustices

“Hate speech comes from frustration, unemployment, marginalization, and exclusion,” he said, lamenting that elite and others best positioned to promote unity, are often the main drivers of tribalism, xenophobia, and nepotism.

Drawing from his long-standing advocacy, Nico Halle argued that hate speech will persist unless Cameroon confronts corruption, inequality, and social injustice head-on.

While acknowledging calls for stricter legislation against hate speech, Ntumfor Nico Halle downplayed the effectiveness of laws without moral transformation.

“The laws are there,” he said, adding that: “The real problem is that we don’t respect them”.

From the Constitution to labour and immigration laws, he argued that impunity thrives because of a broken value system. 

For the distinguished and veteran legal mind, only a change in mentality rooted in justice, accountability, transparency, and love can produce lasting peace.

Churches can do better

In a rare and bold critique, Nico Halle also turned his attention to moral institutions, particularly the church. Without generalizing, Nico Halle expressed disappointment with what he described as increasing materialism and hypocrisy within the global church.

“The church is supposed to be the moral compass,” he said, regretting “many of the same vices in society are also present in the church”.

He stressed that sermons alone cannot transform society if they are not matched by integrity and ethical conduct.

“It is not about preaching beautifully,” he noted, “but about living what we preach”.

Asked whether his criticism was too harsh, the native of Awing in Santa Subdivision was unequivocal.

“The truth is hard,” he said, noting that: “But what is hard about doing what is right?”. He maintained that those who speak the truth and stand for justice should not expect applause. 

Despite his grim assessment of 2025, Ntumfor Nico Halle remains hopeful for Cameroon in 2026. His optimism is anchored on faith and the country’s immense human and natural resources.

“God is bigger than all our problems,” he declared, calling on Cameroonians to repent, embrace moral renewal, and commit themselves to the common good.

He urged citizens to combine intelligence with morality, warning that brilliance without ethics is ultimately destructive.

Reflecting on his 213 awards, Nico Halle emphasised that recognition reinforces his sense of duty rather than elevating his status.

“They humble me,” he said, adding that: “I thank God and the people who recognize what I am doing for my community and for humanity”. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3664 of Monday January 05, 2025