As hate speech continues to rise in Cameroon, the government's response has come under scrutiny. In a recent press conference, three government officials addressed the issue, but their response was criticized as inadequate and hypocritical.
The Minister of Territorial Administration, the Minister of Communication, and the Chair of the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism were present at the press conference. However, they failed to address the fact that some well-known individuals who preach hate speech and openly carry out acts which target people from a particular region of the country are not being sanctioned by the government. Some hamptons of hate speech are even occupying high positions in government.
Journalist Yerima Kini Nsom, center régional bureau chif of The Post newspaper, asked the officials about this issue, but they offered nothing but rigmarole and dodged answering the question. This has raised questions about the government's commitment to addressing hate speech and promoting tolerance and understanding in Cameroon.
Hate speech in Cameroon often targets specific ethnic groups or regions, and can manifest in the form of derogatory comments, insults, and threats. The officials acknowledged that hate speech is on the rise in Cameroon and threatens peace, cohesion, and unity. However, their response of just sensitization and education is not enough.
The government must take concrete steps to hold accountable those who engage in hate speech, regardless of their status orposition in society. While the officials noted that the law would be applied to perpetrators of hate speech, they failed to provide any specific measures that would be taken to hold accountable those who are inciting hatred and violence.
Moreover, the officials' response that some acts of hate speech are done unconsciously is unacceptable. Hate speech is a serious issue that can have real-world consequences, including violence and discrimination against targeted groups. The government must take proactive measures to combat hate speech, including enforcing existing laws, developing new laws, and providing training and education to law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and judges.
It is also important for the government to work in partnership with civil society organizations to promote dialogue and understanding between different groups in society. This can help reduce the likelihood of hate speech and other forms of discrimination by promoting tolerance and understanding.
In conclusion, the government's response to rising hate speech in Cameroon is inadequate and hypocritical. More needs to be done to hold accountable those who engage in hate speech and promote tolerance and understanding in the country. Failure to do so will only lead to further division and unrest in the country.
Sa'ah Siona Ikei, The Post Newspaper.
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