Cameroon’s Bilingualism Commission Embarks on Global Diplomatic Mission to Strengthen Language Policy and fight against hate speech
In an effort to reinforce Cameroon’s dedication to promoting bilingualism and multiculturalism, in a communique dated 23 June 2025 in Yaounde, His Excellency Peter Mafany Musonge, President of the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism (NCPBM), has initiated a new diplomatic outreach mission in several key international capitals..
During the week, delegations from the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism (NCPBM) were deployed to Cameroonian embassies in Madrid, Rome, Vatican City, Ankara, and Tokyo. The objective of these missions is to assess the implementation of Cameroon’s official language policy, specifically the promotion and effective use of both French and English, within the country’s diplomatic representations abroad.
In addition to assessing compliance with the 2019 Law on the Promotion of Official Languages, Commission members will also engage embassy staff to underscore the significance of bilingualism in their day-to-day responsibilities. These missions are intentionally interactive, providing a platform for diplomatic personnel to voice operational challenges and offer constructive proposals aimed at improving bilingual service delivery within Cameroon’s foreign missions.
In addition to promoting bilingualism, the mission also addresses broader social concerns by raising awareness about the dangers of hate speech and xenophobia—issues with serious national and international implications. By equipping diplomatic personnel with the tools to identify and counter divisive rhetoric, the initiative seeks to uphold Cameroon’s foundational values of unity, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect, particularly in this pivotal election year.
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
