The Union of Cameroonians Abroad (UCE), based in Paris, announced on February 25, 2026, a radical new strategy to combat online tribal hate speech. The UCE is now committed to systematically reporting to the public prosecutor any hateful comments of a tribal nature made by Cameroonians residing in France.
"Enough impunity. Freedom of expression should not be a license to destroy," the UCE states in its press release. The organization expresses its deep concern about the proliferation of ethno-communitarian discourse on social networks, including calls for hatred, tribal insults and incitement to violence.
The UCE denounces the exploitation of Cameroon's history and suffering, which is undermining the cohesion of the diaspora. According to the organization, these actions tarnish the country's image and jeopardize community life among Cameroonian communities established abroad. The UCE points out that French law severely punishes incitement to hatred, discrimination and threats based on origin or ethnic affiliation.
The UCE calls on victims and witnesses to preserve evidence of these abuses (screenshots, time stamps) and to contact its services for assistance in their efforts. The organization also calls on influencers and administrators of online groups, stressing that "hatred is not an opinion, it is a crime".
"The time of impunity for digital tribalists is over. Silence kills, the law protects," the UCE concludes, reaffirming that "Unity is our struggle". France has laws to combat online hate speech, including the Avia law, although some of its provisions have been invalidated. These laws prohibit incitement to discrimination, hatred or violence based on ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or disability.
