Cameroon launches campaign against social media, describe it as 'a new form of terrorism'

The government of Cameroon has launched a campaign against social media, which is “fast becoming a threat to peace and a secret instrument of manipulation” promoting “character destruction, destabilization of public opinion and deformation of facts among others” according to the government-controlled daily, Cameroon Tribune.

The campaign is aimed at highlighting the bad of social media and the need for social regulation in other to preserve the image of the country.

The move comes after several citizens took to several social media platforms to misinterprets and deform facts among others over certain issues going on in the country.
Following a parliament meeting held on Monday, the Cameroon government in a statement confirmed that the country is committed to combat social media.

‘The State of Cameroon is resolutely committed to the fight against social media so as to preserve the image of the country. Social media is increasingly becoming a rallying point for those who want a change at the helm of the state.’

According to the country's bilingual daily, which published a special edition headlined “Dérives sur les réseaux sociaux : la cote d’alerte” (“The downward spiral on social media has reached alarming levels”), it said;

A careful analysis of the situation tells of a phenomenon that is proving to be dangerous for society if no measures are taken to scale it down. This is important especially as elections are approaching. People with political ambitions may dive into it and use it to fight their opponents.