2025 elections: Gov’t warns against social media, AI misuse
By Stephen Tadaha
Cameroon’s Minister of Defense, Joseph Beti Assomo, warned against the misuse of social media and artificial intelligence in the country, particularly with the 2025 presidential election and the 53rd National Day approaching.
He issued the warning on Thursday, April 10, as he presided over a security evaluation meeting in the Nation’s capital, Yaoundé. Joseph Beti Assomo emphasized that the spread of misinformation and malicious messages on social media poses a significant threat to public order.
The minister’s warning comes amid ongoing security challenges in various regions of Cameroon, notably the Boko Haram terrorist group that continues to launch attacks in the Far North, with the recent killing of 12 soldiers in Wulgo.
In the English-speaking Regions of Caneroon, it was revealed that socio-political tensions have decreased in these regions, thanks to the efforts of the Defence and Security Forces. Meanwhile, kidnappings, ransom demands, cattle theft, and assassinations of herders remain a major concern in the Adamawa and North Regions.
To address these issues, the government is taking steps to counter these threats and closely monitoring the situation to prevent disturbances to public order as the country prepares to celebrate its National Day on May 20, 2025. “The specialized services of the state are working to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain stability during this critical period,” he disclosed.
Collaboration with neighboring countries, such as Nigeria, is also deemed crucial in combating terrorism.
With the 53rd National Day approaching, the Ministry of Defense has prescribed necessary adjustments to strengthen security measures across the country. This includes heightened vigilance before, during, and after the celebrations to ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens.
These security concerns come as Cameroon prepares for the 2025 presidential election, scheduled for October 5, 2025.
