Cameroonian Deputy Cabral Libii presents a case for the progressive abolition of the death penalty in Cameroon at the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Paris, France.
Cabral Libii articulated his perspective, stating, “A truly democratic society is characterized by its ability to harmoniously integrate the safeguarding of life, the imperative of justice, the security of its citizens, and unwavering adherence to the rule of law. The real challenge extends beyond simply abolishing the death penalty; it involves the fundamental task of establishing institutions robust enough to inspire public confidence in justice, thereby negating any perceived necessity for an irreversible punishment.”
We were honored to be among the official delegates, including parliamentarians and justice ministers from over 130 nations, participating in the World Congress Against the Death Penalty. While Cameroon has not formally abolished capital punishment, it is important to note that no executions have taken place since 1997. This consistent practice effectively positions Cameroon as a de facto abolitionist state. This observation has inspired a series of reflections, which we presented at the 9th World Congress, outlining our position:
- The protection of human life stands as a core value. The international community, with two-thirds of the world’s nations, is increasingly moving towards a gradual reduction in the use of capital punishment, a development that merits enthusiastic examination. Furthermore, ending an offender’s life to underscore the wrongfulness of killing, or to declare their actions unforgivable, compromises several vital principles. These include the opportunity for genuine repentance, relieving the condemned from the profound weight of their transgression and the lasting remorse it should naturally engender, and the crucial ability to rectify any potential miscarriages of justice.
- Each sovereign state operates within a distinct historical, cultural, and security framework. Consequently, any sustainable progression towards abolition must stem from an internal democratic process, actively championed by national institutions and widely accepted by the populace. This highlights the indispensable role of public awareness and educational efforts. The engagement of elected officials and civil society organizations is particularly significant in driving this societal shift.
- Despite the death penalty remaining a part of its legal framework, Cameroon has maintained a de facto moratorium on executions for nearly three decades. This sustained practice signifies a positive evolution that warrants optimistic acknowledgment.
- The efficacy of combating serious crime is intrinsically linked to the integrity and quality of the justice system. The most appropriate and enduring response to grave offenses resides not solely in the severity of penalties, but rather in a judiciary that is independent, impartial, efficient, and deeply committed to respecting fundamental rights. This conviction forms the bedrock of our personal advocacy and struggle within our homeland, Cameroon.
- The advancement of fundamental rights is a continuous process that aligns with the evolving global standards of democratic societies. However, the implementation of these standards must be carefully tailored to national realities, ensuring their legitimacy and accelerating their progressive adoption.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding the death penalty should not be framed as a conflict between proponents of human rights and those focused on security or strict judicial interpretation. A truly democratic society, as Cabral Libii emphasized, is one that adeptly reconciles the protection of life, the demand for justice, the security of its citizens, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. The profound challenge before us is not merely to abolish capital punishment, but to cultivate institutions strong enough to foster public trust in justice, thereby eliminating any need to resort to an irreversible ultimate penalty.”