AFCON 2023: NCC urges media to refrain from hate speech, promote unity

By Biwah Bryan

The President of the National Communication Council, Joseph Chebongkeng Kalabubse has urged media outlets in Cameroon to refrain from hate speech, uphold objectivity, and strengthen social solidarity in the ongoing 2023 AFCON tournament.

The President made the call via a communique dated January 23rd, 2023, following the observation of recurring instances of hate speech during AFCON.

An illustration of such hate speech during the AFCON was brought to light when a Cameroonian TikTok user made derogatory comments about the host country in one of her videos where she said “We were told that there was no dust in Abidjan. I thought there was no dust here, but here it is”.

Additionally, some Cameroonians insulted the opening ceremony organized by Ivory Coast, unfavorably comparing it to the previous ceremony held in Cameroon in 2021.

In response to these, the National Communication Council has called upon all actors in the mass media sector to abide by the professional and ethical guidelines and to fulfill their obligation to preserve social harmony and a sense of patriotism during the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

President Chebongkeng emphasized the importance of objective media coverage during the AFCON and urged media outlets to encourage social cohesion and to promote the values of fair play, patriotism, and unity.