Political commentator Abel Elimbi Lobe is facing a complaint for "incitement to tribal hatred." Jacques Bertrand Mang, a Cameroonian activist, filed the complaint with the State Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance in Bonanjo, Douala.
In his complaint dated May 13, 2026, Jacques Bertrand Mang accuses Abel Elimbi Lobe of making statements that threaten social cohesion and living together in Cameroon. The activist believes that certain public statements by the political commentator fuel community tensions and are contrary to national integration. Mang specifically accuses him of regularly targeting the Bamileke community in his media appearances. He claims to have evidence of these allegations and is requesting the arrest and imprisonment of Abel Elimbi Lobe, in accordance with Cameroonian laws that punish hate speech and tribalism.
Jacques Bertrand Mang is a well-known figure in political activism in Cameroon. Born on January 30, 1987, in Edéa, he became known for his involvement in opposition parties such as the PCRN and UPP. He has already undertaken several legal actions, including a complaint against Brenda Biya, the president's daughter, in March 2026. In April 2026, he was arrested and forcibly interned, sparking reactions and calls for his release.
Cameroonian law punishes incitement to tribal hatred with imprisonment of one to two years and a fine of 300,000 to 3,000,000 CFA francs. If the author of the hateful remarks is a public official, a political, media, NGO or religious leader, the penalties are doubled.
This complaint comes just days before the celebration of Cameroon's National Day, a time traditionally dedicated to messages of national unity and social cohesion. The case reopens the debate on hate speech and tribalism in the Cameroonian public sphere.
