B: Regulating the Media: a Gradual Process between Education and Sanctions 93- In addition to the traditional regulatory challenges reflected by the activities of the National Communication Council (NCC), management of information in time of crisis was a major concern and raised reactions that combined education and sanctions. 1: Traditional Regulatory Challenges in the Activities of the NCC 94- An analysis of the regulatory activity of the NCC shows the scope of the task with regard not only to the number of petitions, but also their origin and the grounds raised in them. From 2013 to 2018, the NCC examined 360 petitions of which 135 were filed by citizens, 86 by public authorities, 23 by professional associations, 7 by institutions, and 109 by the NCC. 95- During the same period, the NCC delivered 182 decisions of which 25 warnings, 102 temporary suspensions of not more than 6 months, 39 temporary suspensions of 6 months, 9 permanent bans52, and 7 non-suit. Besides, 27 decisions of the NCC were appealed against before administrative courts53 of which 7 were upheld and 3 revised. 96- The most recurrent grounds for filing petitions before the NCC concern the publication of unsubstantiated, insulting and slanderous declarations, broadcast of shocking images, inciting hatred, violence and intolerance. 2: Special Challenge: Management of Information in Time of Crisis 97- With regard to the improper processing of information, disinformation and manipulation of information on social cohesion, the NCC carried out awareness-raising actions in addition to its duty of regulation. 98- This approach was used considering the rise in excesses the components of which gradually came to the lime light from the social climate and especially from the 2 major crises the country faced during the reference period. Thus, although the duties of awareness-raising, the working method and the obligations of the NCC in terms of media coverage of elections characterised the period 2013-2014, information management in time of crisis was constantly topical during the following years with regard to the quality of information processing relating to the fight against Boko Haram and the crisis in North West and South West Regions. 99- Since the Internet was particularly mobilised by some stakeholders in the latter crisis to disseminate information stirring up hatred, violence, insurrection and secession, the NCC drew the attention of the media on their role in the promotion of a peaceful, just and inclusive society through 4 workshops organised with the support of the UN System in Cameroon. They included 2 capacity development workshops for journalists on media coverage of elections and promotion of peaceful polls in Cameroon held respectively in Douala from 3 to 5 July 2018 and in Bafoussam from 10 to 12 July 2018, a capacity development workshop for community radio officials and broadcasters on coverage of elections and promotion of peaceful polls in Cameroon held in Mbalmayo from 26 to 28 July 2018, and an awarenessraising workshop for Forces of Law and Order on the protection of media professionals during elections and in time of crisis held in Douala from 5 to 7 September 2018. 100- Government followed suit. Thus, after calling on citizens to be responsible during a campaign launched in January 2017 and dubbed “Yes to Social Networks, but … in a responsible manner”, Government had to suspend the Internet in North West and South West Regions on 17 January 2017 due to the recurrent excesses referred to above. Since the 52 The grounds included repeated publication of unfounded, offensive and insinuating accusations that constitute violation of professional ethics in mass communication. 53 4 appeals for quashing in 2014, 9 in 2015, 8 in 2016, and 2 in 2017 22