Bridging Digital Dividends: Safeguarding Disabled Persons Online, Offline

In a bid to protect fundamental rights, bolster digital safety, and foster an inclusive society, the Civic Watch Association, in collaboration with the Club des Jeunes Aveugles Réhabilités du Cameroun, CJARC, hosted a landmark community gathering on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, in Ékié, Yaoundé.

Held on the theme, "Protecting civic space online and offline," the event brought together over 100 participants. Comprising persons with visual, motor, hearing, and neurodivergent conditions. As well as representatives from state ministries, civil society, media, and the international diplomatic corps.

German Support

Supported by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Cameroon, the day-long workshop addressed the growing threats of hate speech, cyberbullying, Gender-Based Violence, GBV, and algorithmic bias. While highlighting progressive state policies and adaptive technologies designed to empower marginalized communities.

Opening the deliberations, Dr. Coco Bertin, Co-founder and Director General of CJARC, welcomed attendees and traced the evolution of disability advocacy in Cameroon. Emphasizing that modern inclusion requires dismantling systemic societal barriers rather than segregating individuals into specialized spaces.

"It was observed that in the past, a separate world was somewhat created for persons with disabilities, which is why we used to have, for example, specialized schools and the like. As the world evolves, it is realizing that it is not good to isolate this category of people referred to as persons with disabilities. They have the right to live in society just like any other person. It is simply a matter of removing barriers and giving them a chance to lead a normal life like anyone else," Dr. Coco Bertin observed.  

He expressed appreciation to Civic Watch, the Ministry of Social Affairs, MINAS. And the German Embassy for backing an agenda that directly fosters empowerment and social cohesion.

Dr. Ngala Desmond Ngala, Founder and CEO of Civic Watch Cameroon, explained the deliberate choice to host the gathering in CJARC's headquarters in Ékié, Yaounde. Rather than in an upscale hotel. He underscored that understanding the lived experiences of Persons With Disabilities requires direct engagement within their immediate environments.

"If you see today, we are not in a conference hall in a hotel, it's because we believed that if you want to discuss with people living with disabilities, if you want to discuss with people in an inclusive manner, you must go to where they are to be able to understand them in their difficulties...

What They Grow Through

“We, who have sight, sometimes try to tell ourselves that we understand the difficulty of someone who cannot see beyond five meters. But I can assure you that as long as you haven't slept with this person, as long as you haven't eaten with them or spent an entire day with them, you cannot understand the difficulties this person endures throughout the day," Dr. Ngala Desmond noted.

Beware!

He cautioned against the rapid, unguided adoption of social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, which lack effective traditional gatekeeping and expose vulnerable users to targeted cyberbullying, hate speech, and discriminatory stereotypes.

Explaining how platform algorithms reinforce negative engagement patterns through prolonged screen exposure, he called for heightened digital literacy, transgenerational training, and active protection of marginalized groups both online and on the streets.

Mr. Knut Zuchan, Chargé d’Affaires in the German Embassy in Cameroon, reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting civil society initiatives that advance human rights, social cohesion, and democratic participation.

"The promotion of human rights and the support for activities and commitments of civil society - that is a priority of the foreign policy of the Federal Republic of Germany... What your associations, CJARC, Civic Watch, and other organizations here in Cameroon do is a very important work. And with our support, we want to also express our support and encouragement for this important work," Mr. Knut Zuchan observed.

Addressing the session, Mrs. Angelica Ambe of the Ministry of Social Affairs, MINAS highlighted key legislative protections and financial exemptions available to persons living with disabilities under current national frameworks. Key provisions under the Finance Law of 2026 and recent joint decrees include the official issuance of National Disability Cards via MINAS and its regional delegations. Which grant holders direct income tax relief and direct salary tax exemptions.

Furthermore, a joint decision by MINAS, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Higher Education grants a 50% waiver on higher education school fees and free school enrollment for children living with disabilities. Alongside reduced tariffs for public transportation and medical services.

What It Offers

"When you have this [disability] card, you have a lot of advantages that go with it. There is already tax exemption, and there is already school placement for children living with disabilities... and recently, that is yesterday, there is a joint arrêté by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Finance, and Higher Education for school fees waiver for persons living with disabilities, and it's a 50% deduction of school fees. The Finance Law of 2026 spells this out clearly. A lot of taxes, even those who earn salaries... now anybody living with a disability does not pay those taxes again," Mrs. Angelica Ambe underscored.

Challenging Digital Environments

She also noted that because persons with physical or mobility impairments often spend extended hours in digital environments - frequently to avoid heavy rush-hour tra...