The EU welcomes the “gesture of appeasement” represented by the halting of prosecution against Maurice Kamto, party leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement and its supporters.
Beyond this message, formulated in EU Council conclusions adopted without debate on Monday 14 October (see EUROPE 12347/13), the EU calls for the continuation of the national dialogue process by strengthening its inclusive character “in order to develop responses to meet the population’s legitimate expectations”.
Concerned about the restriction of political space, it calls for the opposition to be able to express themselves freely, and to participate without hindrance in the process of national dialogue and in the elections planned for 2020.
The EU recalls the importance of respect for human rights, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms
Condemning “the continued violence and the level of insecurity” in the North-West and South-West regions of the country, “especially where the civilian population is affected”, the EU is alarmed by the reported human rights violations, the worsening humanitarian crisis and the negative impact of this violence on Cameroon's economy.
Calling for “safe and unhindered” humanitarian access to the entire territory of the country, the EU assures that it will “remain committed” to meeting the needs of the populations. It also renews its commitment to Cameroon's economic development and stability, “as an important player in the fight against Boko Haram and in the peace process in the Central African Republic”. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)