Cameroonian Deputy Cabral Libii Advocates for Gradual Death Penalty Abolition.
During his participation in the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty held in Paris, France, Deputy Cabral Libii outlined his commitment to leading a sustained advocacy for the progressive abolition of capital punishment within Cameroon.
According to Libii, a truly democratic society is defined by its ability to reconcile the fundamental protection of life, the demand for justice, the security of its citizens, and strict adherence to the rule of law. He articulated that the challenge goes beyond simply ending the death penalty; it necessitates the establishment of institutions robust enough to inspire confidence in the justice system without resorting to irreversible measures.
Libii highlighted his privilege in joining officials, parliamentarians, and justice ministers from over 130 nations at this significant global congress. He noted that while Cameroon has not formally abolished the death penalty, the nation has not carried out any executions since 1997. This extended period of non-execution effectively positions Cameroon as a de facto abolitionist state. This observation, he explained, informed the following reflections, which he shared at the 9th World Congress:
1. The protection of life stands as a core value. The international community, with two-thirds of countries, is generally moving towards a progressive reduction in the use of capital punishment, a trend that warrants enthusiastic consideration.
Furthermore, curtailing an offender’s life—executing them to demonstrate that killing is wrong and their actions unforgivable—undermines several critical aspects. These include the potential for repentance, relieving the condemned from the profound burden of their guilt and the enduring remorse it generates, and the crucial possibility of rectifying any judicial errors.
2. Each state operates within its unique historical, cultural, and security context. The path towards abolition can only be sustainable if it emerges from an internal democratic process, championed by national institutions, and broadly accepted by society. This underscores the paramount importance of public awareness and education. In this endeavor, the role of elected representatives and civil society is particularly significant.
3. Despite the death penalty remaining within its positive law, Cameroon has maintained a de facto moratorium on executions for nearly three decades. This consistent practice signifies a positive evolution that merits optimistic acknowledgment.
4. The fight against crime primarily hinges on the quality of justice. The most effective response to grave offenses lies in an independent, impartial, efficient justice system that upholds fundamental rights, rather than solely in the severity of punishments. This principle forms the foundation of Libii’s personal stance and his ongoing commitment in his home country, Cameroon.
5. The advancement of fundamental rights aligns with the evolving global standard for democratic societies. However, this standard must be implemented while considering national realities to preserve its legitimacy and accelerate its progressive adoption.
Ultimately, the discussion surrounding capital punishment should not create an adversarial dynamic between human rights advocates and those prioritizing security or judicial rigidity. A truly democratic society is precisely one that successfully balances the protection of life, the demand for justice, the security of its citizens, and unwavering respect for the rule of law. The challenge, Libii concluded, is not merely to abolish the death penalty, but to build institutions strong enough for justice to inspire confidence without ever needing to resort to the irreversible.