Ahead of global leaders at the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, Cameroonian parliamentarian Cabral Libii made a compelling case for the progressive abolition of capital punishment in Cameroon. Speaking from Paris, he emphasized that true democratic societies must balance life protection, justice, citizen security, and adherence to the rule of law.

Libii argued that while Cameroon has not yet formally abolished the death penalty, the country has maintained an unofficial moratorium on executions since 1997. This places it among nations that, while legally retaining capital punishment, effectively function as abolitionist states. His address highlighted several key points:

• Fundamental value of life: Two-thirds of the world’s nations are moving toward reducing reliance on the death penalty. This trend reflects a growing recognition that ending a life to punish wrongdoing undermines justice more than it serves it.
• Cultural and historical context: Each nation must chart its own path toward abolition through democratic processes, national institutions, and public education. Elected officials and civil society play a crucial role in shaping this transition.
• Long-standing moratorium: Cameroon’s unofficial halt to executions for nearly three decades demonstrates meaningful progress that merits optimism and sustained policy evolution.
• Justice over severity: Effective crime prevention depends on a justice system that is independent, impartial, efficient, and respectful of human rights—not on the harshness of penalties alone.
• Global standards and national realities: Advancing human rights requires balancing international norms with local conditions to ensure legitimacy and accelerate gradual reform.

Libii concluded, “A truly democratic society is one that reconciles the protection of life, the demands of justice, citizen security, and respect for the rule of law. Our challenge is not only to abolish the death penalty but to build institutions strong enough to inspire trust without resorting to irreversible measures.”

Cabral Libii
Death penalty