Adamaoua: AFFADA trains local journalists in social communication in an electoral context

Adamaoua: AFFADA trains local journalists in social communication in an electoral context

In an electoral context marked by risks of identity tensions and hate speech, the training session organized in Ngaoundéré on July 17, 2025, by the NGO AFFADA, with the support of the CNPBM and the CNC, brought together 33 key social communication stakeholders in the Adamawa region. Traditional chiefs, journalists, community communicators, and religious leaders were educated on the challenges of public speaking, media regulation, and civic responsibilities during elections.

The objective of this training was to contribute to strengthening community life through public awareness campaigns on the harmful effects of hate speech and xenophobia in the Adamawa region during an electoral context.

Through institutional and academic presentations, group work, and participatory discussions, participants identified the main risks associated with the electoral process and proposed concrete measures to prevent them. The workshop helped strengthen local capacities in inclusive communication, promote community life, and consolidate a territorial peace process.

Mr. Alain NDONGO ABONDO, Technical Director of the NGO AFFADA, reiterated that this initiative is part of a dynamic of peacebuilding, promoting community life, and strengthening community resilience in the Adamawa region, which faces challenges related to intercommunity coexistence, the circulation of small arms, and the weakening of social ties. He stressed that the activity is organized with the support of several strategic partners, including the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism (CNPBM), the National Communication Council (CNC), and the German organization Bread for the World, within the framework of the Civil Service for Peace program.

Among other training modules:

1.1.1. Module 1: Regulation of social communication during election periods: roles and responsibilities of stakeholders

1.1.2. Module 2: Social communication in the electoral context in the Adamawa region

The group work allowed for collective reflection on electoral risks and mitigation measures. The two groups, working on the same themes, identified converging risks such as intercommunal conflicts, fake news, hate speech, abuse of authority, electoral corruption, and breaches of voting confidentiality. The proposed solutions focused on securing polling stations, raising awareness among opinion leaders, media regulation, the separation of religion and politics, and the establishment of citizen monitoring mechanisms. This co-construction led to the emergence of realistic courses of action, based on local experience and the shared desire to preserve peace.

The session concluded with a collective declaration of intent, in which participants committed to providing responsible and impartial information, combating hate speech, xenophobia, tribalism, and disinformation, and actively contributing to respect for republican institutions. They also called for enhanced collaboration between communicators and government departments, raising awareness among young people about the responsible use of social media, and denouncing any attempts at manipulation.

The presentation of certificates of participation and the family photo symbolized the communicators’ shared commitment to working for responsible speech, peaceful debate and lasting social cohesion in Adamaoua.