Over the course of recent years, the nation of Cameroon has found itself embroiled in a series of perilous conflicts, that have tragically claimed numerous lives, particularly in certain regions. The harmonious coexistence of individuals has been jeopardised in light of recent xenophobic incidents targeting certain members of the Cameroonian community who perceive themselves to be of greater significance than their counterparts.
The proliferation of hate speech from various conflicting factions has, thus far, exacerbated crises such as the one witnessed in the English-speaking regions. What initially began as peaceful protests and calls for cooperation has tragically devolved into a perilous armed conflict.
The individuals whom society admires for their ability to illuminate the path have unfortunately aligned themselves with the purveyors of hateful rhetoric, thereby exacerbating the wounds inflicted upon our collective consciousness.
It is widely acknowledged that effective communication serves as a crucial instrument in navigating conflict, especially within a nation that strives for inclusivity and collective progress.
The utilisation of media platforms and public domains to incite animosity is a grave harbinger for the fate of society.
The gravity of the situation is further exacerbated when it is magnified by a prominent media figure whom society holds in high regard.
In recent hours, the realm of social media has become awash with a deluge of responses, triggered by the derogatory remarks uttered by Darling Lyonga, a rap artist and journalist employed by Dash Media.
In bygone years, it was the esteemed journalist Ernest Obama who made a regrettable reference to individuals from Cameroon who express themselves in English, labelling them as ‘rats’ and advocating for their eradication.
Ernest’s declarations were regarded as a steadfast defence by the francophone majority against the English-speaking minority. However, the prevailing circumstances revealed a different reality when an unfamiliar figure, Lyonga, emerged to challenge her English-speaking counterparts from the North West Region.
Darling Lyonga, a figure who gained notoriety in the year of 2020 for inciting hateful rhetoric against fellow Cameroonians hailing from the North West region and residing in the South West, has once more exhibited her xenophobic inclinations towards Tilla, an esteemed artist originating from the aforementioned region.
In times of yore, she had inscribed, “”You are singing. Be proud of who you are in another man’s land. Oops, I forgot you do not have good roads, good drinking water, worst no connection. If you do not go up a tree, you cannot have an internet connection”.
The interaction between the two individuals took a bitter turn on the social media platform Facebook, as Lyonga resorted to expressing her trademark of xenophobia.
Darling, in a rather unkind manner, referred to Tilla as a “failed rapper” who, unfortunately, finds herself unable to meet her financial obligations, particularly with regards to her rent. Consequently, Tilla has chosen to retreat to her ancestral village, where she now manages a humble establishment known as a “mama put” – a term used to describe her restaurant in the charming city of Bamenda.
The expression of her xenophobic sentiments garnered widespread criticism from the majority of social media users, as she made a derogatory reference to Bamenda, the esteemed capital city of the North West Region, by mistakenly labelling it as a mere village during one of her online interactions.
Lyonga has earned the dubious distinction of being labelled the embodiment of xenophobia in Cameroon, as her unapologetic demeanour has persisted throughout the ages.
There has been a prevailing curiosity among many as to how, after seven long years of a devastating conflict that has resulted in the fragmentation of our nation, an individual of the media profession, entrusted with the responsibility of conducting interviews and wielding the microphone, can harbour such a profound reservoir of animosity.
In spite of the presence of legislation aimed at curbing Hate speech, regrettably, no substantial actions have been taken to hold individuals such as Lyonga accountable for their transgressions.
In accordance with the provisions set forth in Law No. 2019/020, enacted on December 24, 2019, which seeks to amend and enhance certain aspects of Law No. 2016/7, enacted on July 12, 2016, pertaining to the penal code, it is imperative to note that individuals who engage in hate speech shall be subject to appropriate penalties.
According to the revised legislation, Section 241-1 stipulates that any individual who, through any means at their disposal, engages in hate speech targeting individuals based on their tribal or ethnic background, or instigates violence against them, shall be subject to legal consequences. These consequences include imprisonment ranging from one to two years, as well as a monetary penalty ranging from three hundred thousand to three million francs.
The noble endeavour to combat hate speech has been a steadfast pursuit within our nation, commencing with the emergence of the Anglophone crisis.
The establishment of the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism has unfortunately proven to be more bark than bite. Despite its creation, there remains a concerning prevalence of individuals who persist in spreading hateful rhetoric. This poses a significant threat to the unity and coexistence of our nation, which is already grappling with the risk of fragmentation. Such divisiveness can be traced back to thoughtless remarks targeting fellow citizens who are integral members of our national community.
Kate Bih contributed to this editorial
