Cameroonian lawmaker Cabral Libii is advocating for the progressive abolition of the death penalty, emphasizing that a true democratic society must balance life protection, justice, and the rule of law.

Speaking at the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Paris, Libii highlighted that “a genuine democratic society is one that successfully reconciles the protection of life, the demand for justice, the security of citizens, and respect for the rule of law. The challenge is not only to abolish the death penalty but also to build institutions strong enough to inspire confidence without resorting to the irreversible.”

Libii, part of a delegation including parliamentarians and justice ministers from over 130 countries, stressed that while Cameroon has not yet formally abolished capital punishment, its de facto moratorium since 1997 positions it as an abolitionist state in practice.

The lawmaker outlined five key arguments in favor of progressive abolition:

• Preservation of life as a fundamental value: The international community, with two-thirds of countries moving toward reducing reliance on capital punishment, reflects a global trend worth embracing enthusiastically.
• Moral and practical contradictions: Taking a life to demonstrate that killing is wrong undermines opportunities for repentance, the burden of guilt, and potential judicial errors. The death penalty strips away the chance for meaningful rehabilitation and societal repair.
• Contextual evolution: Each nation’s journey toward abolition must be rooted in its unique historical, cultural, and security context. Lasting change requires internal democratic processes, institutional support, and societal acceptance, making public education and advocacy critical.
• Cameroon’s de facto moratorium: Nearly three decades without executions signals progress that should be acknowledged optimistically, even as the legal framework maintains the death penalty.
• Justice over severity: Combating serious crime depends more on a justice system that is independent, impartial, and effective—prioritizing fundamental rights—than on harsh penalties alone.

Libii concluded that the debate on capital punishment should not pit human rights advocates against security or judicial rigidity. Instead, a true democracy must harmonize life protection, justice, citizen security, and adherence to the rule of law. “The challenge is not only to abolish the death penalty but also to construct institutions strong enough to inspire trust without relying on the irreversible,” he asserted.