Hate speech on the internet: a scourge to combat to preserve national cohesion in the DRC
Every year, the International Day of Peace reminds everyone of the importance of harmony and peaceful coexistence. Unfortunately, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the emergence of hate speech threatens this national cohesion. These discourses, conveyed mainly on social networks, contribute to the polarization of the online space and fuel intolerance, violence and hostile behavior.
As part of the International Day of Peace, former grantees from the YALI/DRC network organized an online seminar to raise awareness among young people active in the digital field on the impact of hate speech on national cohesion. Trésor Kalonji Bilolo, president of the chapter of former Yali scholarship holders in the DRC, underlines the urgency of this problem: “Hate speech has seriously undermined national cohesion in the DRC, creating mutual distrust and verbal and physical violence between communities. “.
According to a study carried out by the Congolese NGO Africa Sans Haine, no less than 13,915 comments inciting hatred were recorded on the internet in the DRC for the year 2021. These speeches range from calls for murder to incitement to ethnic hatred, defamation and sexist remarks. This explosion of hate speech raises concerns about the future of national cohesion and calls for urgent action.
To fight against this scourge, Trésor Kalonji Bilolo underlines the need to put in place systems for moderation and regulation of online content. Each virtual group, community or platform must take responsibility and actively engage in the fight against hate speech. This involves raising awareness, education and promoting a culture of respect and tolerance.
The International Day of Peace is therefore an opportunity to remind each individual of their responsibility in promoting lasting peace. Beyond differences and divergences, it is essential to preserve national cohesion and mutual respect to build a better future.
In conclusion, the fight against hate speech on the internet in the DRC is a crucial issue for preserving national cohesion. It is imperative to raise awareness and educate young people about the dangers of such speech and to put in place effective moderation systems. Only collective mobilization will make it possible to counter this scourge and promote an inclusive and peaceful society in the DRC.