Joe Dinga Pefok
10 April 2008
Buea — The European Union, EU, has reacted to the growing controversy in Cameroon over the plan by the CPDM government to revise the 1996 Constitution.
In this light, the EU has called on the government to submit the proposal to a forum that will ensure a debate on the issue and that the debate should be characterised by free and open discussions. The EU would also like to see all sectors of the Cameroonian society represented at such a forum.
The reaction is contained in a release termed Declaration on the Situation in Cameroon, which the Presidency of the EU made on behalf of the Union on March 27, 2008, at its headquarters in Brussels.
A copy of the declaration was forwarded to The Post by the press service of the French Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon, on March 28.The EU in the declaration noted that the Union has been following with much attention, the discussion on the planned revision of the constitution in Cameroon. It said the constitution which was adopted in 1996, was a result of a political dialogue as well as an expression of popular will.
The Union as well noted that it is imperative for the authorities to always strive to take all necessary elements or measures into consideration to ensure that the change of the constitution is a true reflection of the will of the Cameroonian people.
Change Of Power
The EU further stressed that the possibility of a change of power in Cameroon, as well as the existence of press freedom and the guarantee of public liberty, should constitute the fundamental elements to consolidate democracy in the country. It also urged the urgent need to ameliorate the electoral system and the quality of democratic participation, which (together with the aforementioned elements) are indispensable to guarantee the stability of the country.
Referring to the violent demonstrations that rocked some towns of the country from February 25 to 28, 2008, the EU denounced acts of violence and vandalism.Also, apparently referring to the Mfoundi Declaration which smacked of ethnic cleansing, the EU equally denounced the attempts to stir ethnic hatred. It finally re-assured of its strong support for socio-economic development in Cameroon.
The Union, however, quickly added its wish to see that the powers that be ensure this development target particularly the underprivileged and weak sectors of the society.
It is worth noting that the French President will soon take over the EU Presidency.
Observers say it will be an interesting challenge for France to ensure that the position of the EU on the controversial plan by the CPDM government to revise the 1996 Constitution, especially Article 6 (2), is given serious consideration.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2008 The Post. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
