Ahead of 2025 October Election: Bilingualism Commission Evaluates Anti-Hate Speech Efforts in Bamenda

Dr. Chi Asafor, NCPBM Secretary General Flanked by Collaborators, Partners.

The National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism (NCPBM) has intensified its campaign against hate speech and xenophobia in the run-up to Cameroon’s October 12 presidential elections.

As part of the Commission’s 2025 action plan, its Secretary General, Dr. Chi Asafor Cornelius, led a two-day evaluation mission to the Northwest regional office in Bamenda on August 20–21. The visit was designed to assess the performance of the regional branch and review the collaboration with civil society partners engaged in the fight against divisive rhetoric.

Dr. Chi Asafor During Working Session With  Partners.

Central to the mission was a working session with two frontline organizations DefyHateNow, headed by Dr. Ngala Desmond, and the Cameroon Association of English-Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ) Bamenda Chapter, led by President Sah Terence Animbom. 

Dr. Chi Asafor, and Dr. Ngala Desmond, Country Project Manager DefyhateNow.

Both groups were selected by the NCPBM for their grassroots reach and ongoing work to counter hate speech, particularly during the sensitive electoral period.

“We knew that 2025 was an electoral year, and with it, the potential rise in hate speech. That is why we retained these organizations and renewed their mandate to carry out activities that will ensure a peaceful Cameroon,” Dr. Chi Asafor explained.

The Secretary General stressed that evaluation was not only about monitoring but also about refining strategies. “In the realization of activities, evaluation is an important component. We want to see how well the work has been carried out, identify difficulties, and provide immediate solutions so that, by October 12, Cameroon remains peaceful and united,” he said.

Dr. Chi Asafor, and Sah Terence Animbom, CAMASEJ Bamenda Chapter President.

During the session, the NCPBM handed over anti-hate speech and anti-xenophobia gadgets to CAMASEJ Bamenda and DefyHateNow to reinforce their outreach efforts. Dr. Chi Asafor also used the occasion to urge the public to resist divisive language. 

“Avoid hate speech and xenophobia. It is not good for the harmony of our country, and it is not good for the peace of our country. We have lived through difficulties for more than eight years, and it is time to rebuild peace,” he implored.

Sah Terence Animbom, CAMASEJ Bamenda Chapter President.

The presence of CAMASEJ underscored the role of journalists in shaping narratives that foster social cohesion. “Our mandate is to educate, inform, and engage communities positively. This partnership with NCPBM enhances our ability to counter disinformation and promote tolerance,” said CAMASEJ President Sah Terence.

 Dr. Ngala Desmond, Country Project Manager DefyhateNow.

DefyHateNow also reiterated its commitment to grassroots sensitization. “We are working to ensure that online and offline spaces in the Northwest remain free of hate and dangerous speech during this crucial period,” Dr. Ngala Desmond noted.

The Bamenda mission formed part of a broader nationwide effort by the NCPBM to strengthen its regional branches and reinforce partnerships as the country braces for a decisive election. 

Established in 2017, the Commission has a presidential mandate to promote bilingualism, multiculturalism, and national unity, with the fight against hate speech and xenophobia now at the heart of its activities.