Civic Watch Cameroon is calling on African governments to do more to shield children from hateful and false content online, saying harmful digital speech threatens social harmony and democratic engagement.
The appeal was made at a June 18 forum in Yaoundรฉ marking the UNโs International Day for Countering Hate Speech. Titled โHate Speech, Social Cohesion and Responsible Digital Citizenship,โ the meeting brought together MPs, traditional leaders, journalists and civil society groups.
Panel talks and Q&A sessions focused on the rising flow of hateful and misleading material on digital platforms in Cameroon and the danger it poses to peace and stability.
Speakers examined existing legal, political and institutional tools that could be used to curb the trend.
They stressed the need to improve media and digital literacy among young people, encourage responsible online behaviour, and tighten regulatory frameworks.
Hon. Agho Oliver said hate speech is destroying communities and urged everyone to act against it.
He blamed poor information management for fuelling the anglophone crisis and likened unchecked hate speech to a disease that must be treated.
The dialogue underlined that digital users, media professionals, policy makers and community leaders share responsibility for fostering respectful public debate and stopping messages that incite hatred or discrimination.
Delegates agreed that fighting hate speech requires coordinated action by both state institutions and civil society.
Hon. Njume Peter Ambang warned that laws are ineffective without enforcement and said visible penalties for offenders would deter misuse and help restore social cohesion.
Civic Watch Cameroon said the event highlighted that protecting national unity is a collective duty and that countering hate speech is vital for building peaceful, inclusive communities.
Jude Viban of CAMASEJ warned that media outlets can inadvertently spread hate when driven by ignorance or financial pressure, and urged journalists to prioritise truth and the public interest.
He called for a review of media ownership and regulation to safeguard journalistic standards.
The UN-established International Day for Countering Hate Speech on June 18 aims to raise awareness about the harms of hate speech and encourage measures to prevent and respond to it.
