2025 Cameroon Elections : Civil Society Groups Urge Greater Accountability, Transparency

With the rapid expansion of digital platforms in Cameroon, the spread of hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation has become a pressing concern. Threatening the integrity of public discourse and social cohesion. The increasing accessibility to social media and digital communication tools has amplified the speed and reach of harmful content. Creating huge challenges for the authorities and citizens alike.

Digital Rights Workshop 
It is for this reason that the international civil society group, Paradigm Initiative, PIN, in collaboration with Civic Watch Cameroon, organized a two-day digital rights workshop in Yaounde from April 14-15, 2025. At the end of which Paradigm Initiative Executive Director, Gbenga Sesan, held a press conference. Rising from the training, Paradigm Initiative and Civic Watch released a press statement on the forthcoming presidential elections in Cameroon.  

Dangerous Online Content 
Calling on political parties and electoral candidates to avoid sponsoring or spreading disinformation, hate speech, or inciting content online. They urged digital platforms to share accurate, inclusive, and verified information with voters. And respect the rights of media and civil society actors to operate freely online.

Preempt Violations 
To civil society and media actors, the two organizations insisted on continuous monitoring and reporting of digital rights violations and advocacy for policy reforms. They emphasized strengthening fact-checking initiatives and digital literacy campaigns to empower voters. As well as engaging in cross-sector collaboration to promote safe and inclusive digital participation.

Uninterrupted Internet Access 
To the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ART) and network operators, Paradigm Initiative and Civic Watch asked for transparency over any Internet shutdowns or data access. Guarantees equal access to digital infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas. And engagement with the civil society to build trust and improve accountability in the digital communications sector.

Legitimate Online Expression
PIN and Civic Watch appealed to the Government of Cameroon to ensure open and uninterrupted access to the internet before, during, and after the elections. The promotion of legitimate online expression and dissent, and the fair treatment of all election stakeholders. And proactively disclosing election-related information, including voter lists, candidate details, and key timelines, in accessible formats.

Young Voters
Gbenga strongly encouraged young people to register, insisting that peaceful elections were the key to transparency and accountability. He warned young people to shun disinformation and hate speech, saying voters need to go beyond what happens in polling stations. By keeping track of the process right through to the announcement of results. “Democracy is dependent on electoral participation,” Gbenga Sesan stressed. 

Government Regulation 
Meanwhile, the Cameroonian government enacted Cybercrime and Cybersecurity Law No. 2010/012 in 2010, aiming to regulate online activities and combat digital threats. H...