Hate Speech : Stopping The Destroyer!

The electoral process is on course with different stakeholders organising or coordinating activities within their spheres of competence. Communication on the Presidential election by some persons, one observes is filled with hate speech and unfounded declarations that can easily spark tensions. The social media, where control on who says what is difficult, is rife with such statements. It is true that the freedom of expression is enshrined in the preamble of the Constitution of Cameroon. Indeed, it clearly states that “the freedom of communication, of expression, of the press, of assembly, of association and of trade unionism as well as the right to strike shall be guaranteed under conditions fixed by the law.” This freedom of expression, authorities always caution, does not translate to freedom of insults, outrage or hate speech. 
As adults, mutual respect is expected to be the underlying principle and hate speech is not supposed to be the language of any, especially when Section 241-1 (new) of the Penal Code provides penalties for such statements. Going by the declarations of some individuals since the convening of the electorate on July 11, 2025, they are definitely giving a damn to the law. Otherwise, why would someone openly comment on the candidacy of a Presidential aspirant in such degrading manner. “He looks like hunger,” “The candidate of yellow fever,” “I hate xxx” are some of the comments that were made to some Presidential hopefuls following the submission of their files at Elections Cameroon.  In the course of some debate programmes, some panellists openly declare their hate for a fellow citizen. 
It is within the context of better regulating freedom of expression by ensuring responsibility in citizens, that the President of the National Communication Council issued a statement on July 14, 2025 encouraging the spread of factual information. “Public opinion is encouraged to cultivate a s...