The National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism – CNPBM has launched a new campaign targeting hate speech by focusing on the core of Cameroonian society: the family.
Speaking on Monday, July 6, 2026, during an evaluation meeting in Ngaoundéré, Adamawa Region, CNPBM Secretary General Dr. Chi Asafor Cornelius asserted that eradication efforts must begin at home. The meeting brought together civil society organizations – CSOs to review their joint efforts against xenophobia and map out stronger community-led interventions.
Dr. Chi emphasized that everyday vocabulary within households forms the foundation for broader social behavior. He explained that addressing intolerance internally is vital before extending the fight to schools and public institutions. While the Secretary General praised the active engagement of local partner organizations, he noted that formal institutional sanctions only succeed when backed by citizens who actively choose inclusive language in their private lives.
A major concern raised during the session was the rapid spread of divisive content online, which frequently contradicts the peaceful coexistence experienced by citizens in their daily lives. Dr. Chi identified evolving digital technologies as a primary challenge, warning that social media channels often distort reality by magnifying racism, misogyny, and intolerance. With municipal and legislative elections approaching next year, the Commission warned that unmonitored online hostility could pose a threat to national stability.
To curb this growing trend, the CNPBM reminded the public that Cameroon possesses strict legal frameworks that criminalize hate speech and xenophobia. Dr. Chi lamented that many victims currently hesitate to take legal action against perpetrators, urging citizens to utilize the court system through direct complaints and subpoenas. Alongside legal recourse, the Commission emphasized social isolation of digital instigators and continuous open dialogue as the most effective tools for maintaining national unity.
Looking ahead, the CNPBM aims to reinforce its field operations by actively resolving the challenges encountered by coalition partners on the ground.
To ensure smoother execution, Commission Chairman Peter Mafany Musonge has engaged regional governors to facilitate seamless collaboration between administrative authorities and active CSOs. This institutional backing aims to empower grassroots organizations to effectively counter discrimination and promote peaceful coexistence across all regions.
