Bafoussam, 31 July, 2025 / 7:09 pm (ACI Africa).
Bishop Paul Lontsié-Keuné of Cameroon’s Catholic Diocese of Bafoussam has condemned the spread of hate speech, tribalism, and misinformation, and lies, warning that the situation undermines peace and national cohesion as the country approaches its presidential election in slated for October.
In a message addressed to the people of God in his Episcopal See, Bishop Lontsié-Keuné expresses concern that the prevalence of divisive behavior during the electioneering period jeopardizes the possibility of achieving lasting peace.
“We believe that these behaviors and incidents, happening on the eve of the presidential election, are not conducive to peace,” Bishop Lontsié-Keuné says in the message shared with ACI Africa on Thursday, July 31.
He adds, “We declare that no true and lasting peace can come from lies, manipulation, intimidation, fear, denial of rights, injustice, corruption, buying of consciences, instrumentalization of the law, or its flexible interpretation for political gain.”
In the message, the Bishop decries what he terms as rise of tribalism and hate speech in televised debates and on social media, trends he warns could further divide Cameroonians.
