Cabral Libii, a Cameroonian lawmaker, is using his platform at the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Paris to push for a gradual end to capital punishment in Cameroon.

In his view, a truly democratic society is one that balances the protection of life, the pursuit of justice, citizen safety, and adherence to the rule of law. The challenge, he argues, is not just eliminating the death penalty but also strengthening institutions so that justice can command trust without resorting to irreversible measures.

“We are honored to join over 130 nations—lawmakers, ministers, and justice officials—at this global gathering. While Cameroon has not yet formally abolished the death penalty, it has not carried out any executions since 1997. This makes it a de facto abolitionist state. This reality has inspired our delegation to propose a thoughtful path forward at the Congress:”

• Preserving life as a core value: The global trend—followed by two-thirds of countries—is moving toward reducing reliance on capital punishment. This shift deserves serious consideration.
• Encouraging reflection and justice: Taking a life as punishment undermines opportunities for repentance, denies perpetrators the burden of their guilt, and risks irreversible judicial errors. A justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation over retribution is more effective in the long run.
• Respecting national context: Each country evolves within its own historical, cultural, and security framework. A democratic process led by national institutions and embraced by society is essential for sustainable abolition. Public awareness and education, particularly among elected leaders and civil society, play a pivotal role.
• Recognizing Cameroon’s progress: Despite retaining the death penalty in law, Cameroon has maintained an unofficial moratorium on executions for nearly three decades—a positive evolution worth noting.
• Strengthening justice over severity: Combating crime effectively requires an independent, impartial, and efficient justice system that upholds fundamental rights, rather than relying solely on harsh penalties. That is the foundation of our advocacy back home.
• Balancing global standards with local realities: Advancing human rights is part of a worldwide movement toward democratic societies, but implementation must align with national conditions to preserve legitimacy and accelerate progress.

“The debate over the death penalty should not pit human rights advocates against those prioritizing security or judicial rigidity,” Libii asserts. “A truly democratic society is one that harmonizes life protection, justice, citizen safety, and the rule of law. The task ahead is not only to abolish capital punishment but to build institutions so strong that justice inspires confidence without ever needing to resort to the irreversible.”