On Tuesday 28 October, the European Union expressed its concern at the repression of demonstrations that took place on the sidelines of Cameroon’s presidential election. President Paul Biya, 92, who has led Cameroon since 1982, was re-elected for an eighth term, winning 53.6% of the vote, according to official results announced on Monday by the Constitutional Council.
The EU deplores the deaths of several civilians during rallies on 26 and 27 October and calls on the local authorities to guarantee the safety of all political actors.
A spokesperson for the European External Action Service pointed out on Tuesday that the EU’s partnership with Cameroon is based on the Samoa Agreement, which is founded on the principles of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights (see EUROPE 13738/7). The spokesperson stressed the need to preserve the freedoms of expression, association and assembly guaranteed by Cameroon’s Constitution.
The EU encourages all political and social players to engage in constructive dialogue as soon as possible in order to preserve stability and national cohesion and promote democratic values and human rights. (Original version in French by Bernard Denuit)