Cabral Libii advocates for the gradual ending of capital punishment in Cameroon

During his participation in the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Paris, the member of parliament expressed his commitment to campaigning for the phased removal of capital punishment in Cameroon.

According to Cabral Libii, a truly democratic society is defined by its capacity to balance the preservation of life, the necessity of justice, the safety of the population, and the integrity of the rule of law. He emphasized that the objective is not merely to strike the death penalty from the books, but to establish judicial institutions robust enough to command public trust without resorting to irreversible measures.

As part of an international delegation of officials, lawmakers, and justice ministers from over 130 countries, I have observed the discussions surrounding this global movement. While Cameroon still maintains the death penalty within its legal framework, the nation has not carried out an execution since 1997. This effectively places the country in the category of de facto abolitionist states. This reality served as the foundation for the insights shared during the congress.

First, the sanctity of life remains a primary value. With two-thirds of the world’s nations moving away from capital punishment, this global shift is a positive trend that warrants serious consideration. Furthermore, using death as a punishment to demonstrate that killing is wrong creates a paradox that eliminates any possibility for the offender to experience true repentance or for the legal system to rectify potential judicial errors.

Second, the path toward abolition must respect the specific historical, cultural, and security landscape of each nation. For such a change to be lasting, it must emerge from an internal democratic dialogue, supported by local institutions and embraced by the public. This highlights the vital role of education, awareness campaigns, and the active involvement of civil society and elected representatives.

Third, the nearly thirty-year moratorium on executions in Cameroon is a significant indicator of progress. This long-standing practice signals an evolution in the national approach to justice that should be viewed with optimism.

Fourth, effectively addressing serious crime depends more on the integrity of the judicial system than on the harshness of the penalties. A justice system that is independent, fair, and efficient serves as the most powerful deterrent. This principle is at the heart of the ongoing efforts to reform the legal landscape in Cameroon.

Finally, while the advancement of fundamental rights aligns with global democratic standards, these standards must be applied in a way that considers national realities to ensure their legitimacy. The conversation regarding the death penalty should not be a conflict between human rights advocates and those focused on security. A mature democracy finds the middle ground, ensuring that justice is served and citizens are safe without compromising the fundamental right to life.