Visionary Reports

In the lead-up to Cameroon’s October presidential election, traditional leaders of the Sawa culture in the Wouri Division of the Littoral Region have taken a proactive stance to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the Association of Chiefs in the Wouri Division convened a crucial consultative meeting, bringing together political parties, electoral bodies, and communication regulators to address potential tensions and promote national unity.HRH Ebanda Gustave of Ngombe village emphasized the meeting’s purpose: “We aimed to reinforce the importance of peaceful elections. Peace is paramount for all Cameroonians. The chiefs of Wouri, recognizing Douala’s significance as a national bellwether, sought to prevent any unrest. We commend the political parties for their commitment to a calm electoral period. We are determined to counteract hate speech and reinforce our shared national identity.”HRH Ruben Essombey further stressed the importance of respecting diverse viewpoints: “Freedom of expression must be upheld. No one should be penalized for their opinions. We urge respect for all professions and institutions. While constructive criticism is essential, we must avoid personal attacks and maintain institutional respect. Today’s leaders may not be tomorrow’s, so we must foster a culture of mutual respect and avoid actions that could lead to anarchy.”The meeting, which included closed-door discussions, resulted in a declaration signed by key political parties and organizations, including:

Cameroonian Party for National Reconciliation (CPRN)* Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM)* Democratic Union of Cameroon (UDC)* National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP)* Elections Cameroon (ELECAM)* National Communication Council (NCC)The declaration formalized their commitment to maintaining social cohesion and peace before, during, and after the 2025 elections. This initiative builds upon a 2020 dialogue focusing on national cohesion and peaceful coexistence, now intensified due to rising tensions.Participants identified several critical challenges such as;* Escalating tribal hatred.* Unfair targeting of political figures.* Public shaming of senior government officials abroad.* Stigmatization of cultural and sports figures.* Physical attacks and hostile demonstrations against state officials.* The proliferation of hate speech, which undermines democratic principles.* The need to protect personalities from the arts and sports sectors from stigmatization.* The requirement of responsible media operation to combat hate speech.The signatories committed to:* Encouraging mass voter registration and participation.* Promoting transparency in the electoral process.* Fostering mutual understanding and respect for diverse ideologies.* Presenting gender-inclusive political proposals.* Promoting public figures who champion peace and cohesion.* Building trust with their constituents and educating them on the importance of maintaining a peaceful electoral environment.The chiefs and stakeholders hope that these commitments will lead to a peaceful and transparent election, reinforcing national unity and social cohesion.

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