Buea: African Bar Association convenes stakeholders to tackle hate speech.

The call was made during a one-day workshop in Buea, organised by the Cameroon Chapter of the African Bar Association, AFBA, on Friday 24 July 2026. It held under the theme: “Lawyers as Architects of Living Together: Bridging the Gap for Marginalised Communities”.

It brought together lawyers, magistrates, academics, civil society actors and government officials for a high-discussion on equity, diversity, inclusion and national cohesion. 

The African Bar Association said the event was the start of a national conversation aimed at building tolerance and offering practical pathways for lawyers to contribute beyond the courtroom.

Officially opening the workshop on behalf of the Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, was the Advocate-General No.3 at the South West Attorney General’s Office, Justice Fobang Leslie. He saluted the initiative, noting that the theme was both timely and relevant. 

“The legal profession occupies a unique place in every democratic society because lawyers are more than advocates for individual clients. They are guardians of justice and officers of the court,” Justice Fobang stated. 

He noted that the work of lawyers extends beyond litigation to include the preservation of social harmony and the promotion of the rule of law.  He stressed government commitment to the promotion of justice, respect for the rule of law, and equal protection under the law for all citizens, in accordance with the Constitution. 

Justice Fobang urged participants to share experiences openly, and formulate recommendations that will further strengthen the legal profession and contribute to the promotion of national cohesion and living together.

Delivering the keynote address, human rights lawyer, Barrister Felix Nkongho Agbor Balla, told a packed hall that lawyers must choose what legacy they leave behind. 

“What do we, as lawyers, want to be remembered for? Whilst others leave their footprints in the sands of time, do we want to be remembered only as lawyers defined only by their pleadings?” he asked. 

Drawing on history, Balla recalled the challenges that lawyers have faced in Cameroon since 2016, but did not preach hatred, to remind his colleagues to focus on ensuring justice and equity for all. 

“History will not remember how many cases you won... History will remember your contribution in building bridges. In ensuring that Cameroon is united, integrated, and reconstructed. So that each and every Cameroonian can say: I am a proud Cameroonian,” Agbor Balla said. 

He warned that Cameroon is at a critical moment with hate running high, especially on social media. Citing Pastor Martin Niemöller, he cautioned against silence in the face of discrimination: “When they talk about others, we do nothing. And when they start talking about us, all hell breaks loose.” 

Balla outlined three imperatives for lawyers: defend the equal dignity of every human being; reject any attempt to weaponise differences; and lead by example. 

“An architect is someone who designs, who builds, who ensures that a house accommodates everybody. That is exactly what is expected of us,” he said. 

Roadmap for tolerance, acceptance

AFBA Cameroon Chapter Chair, Barrister Samuel Tanyi-Mbianyor, said the workshop was convened because there is a lot of division in the country, insisting that his institution wants to create a roadmap for tolerance and acceptance, so that everyone can live in the country as one people. 

Tanyi-Mbianyor argued that lawyers should not limit their activities to the courtroom alone, but should advise on policies and speak against discriminatory laws, to ensure people come to the table with equal opportunities. 

Dr. Barrister Ewule John, Vice President of the General Assembly of the Cameroon Bar Council, described the seminar as timely, given political differences even within the Bar and the country at large. 

“We have to recognise that people have different ideas, different cultures, and different ways of seeing things. This conference is making it clear: as lawyers, we must live together,” he said. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3861 of Tuesday July 28, 2026