Fighting Hate Speech and Xenophobia: Bilingualism Commission Renews Partnership with CSOs

Measures to stamp out hate speech and xenophobia in Cameroon are being reviewed and revived.

This is one of the key reasons behind the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism (NCPBM) and some 14 Civil Society Oganisations (CSO) this June 1, 2023.

The MoU for ten of the CSOs was a renewal of a contract from last year meanwhile four others are new contracts.

President of the Commission, Peter Mafany Musonge explained that the latter had signed MoUs with 14 CSOs last year but unfortunately, four did not follow through with the terms. The four were therefore dropped this year and four new CSOs brought in from the initial waiting list.

The Diaspora Represented

With, hate speech and xenophobia gaining grounds in spite of warnings from Government and sanctions clearly spelt out, the Bilingualism Commission thought it wise to partner with the Diaspora.

The Diaspora CSO will serve as advocates against hate speech and xenophobia to Cameroonians in the Diaspora.

This move, many say, is timely as the vices have become a common sight on social media platforms which are accessible to Cameroonians at home and abroad.

The Commission’s Fight Against Hate Speech and Xenophobia

In February 2021, the President of Cameroon, Paul Biya instructed the NCPBM to carry out a campaign against hate speech and xenophobia.

In response to this, the Commission entered an MoU with 14 CSOs to collaborate with them in this fight.

The work of the Civil Society Organisations, according to the Commission, is to take the message to as far as the grassroots.

The first MOU with 14 CSOs was signed on May 24, 2023. Its terms stipulate that the contract can be renewed after a year.

Eleanor Ayuketah Ngochi