Cameroon

House of Lords written question – answered at on 27 March 2008.

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Photo of Lord Avebury Lord Avebury Spokesperson in the Lords (Civil Liberties), Home Affairs, Spokesperson in the Lords (Africa), Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they or the Commonwealth propose to offer assistance to the Government of Cameroon to deal with the causes of the recent unrest and disorder.

Photo of Lord Malloch-Brown Lord Malloch-Brown Minister of State, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Minister of State (Africa, Asia and the UN)

We attribute the recent unrest and disorder in Cameroon to the dissatisfaction of many of its citizens at the poor economic performance and standards of living, and to frustration at the lack of free and fair debate over proposed constitutional amendments to remove limits on presidential terms in office.

We support the efforts for reform in Cameroon, especially reform of the electoral system, the fight against corruption and the improvement of the climate for business and investment. Our High Commission in Yaounde has run a number of projects in the area of democracy, human rights, good governance and making the justice system more effective. Further assistance on electoral reform has been promised to the Government of Cameroon, once an independent elections body is in place. Our High Commission also advises British companies considering business in Cameroon.

The Commonwealth has been closely involved in assisting the Government of Cameroon on electoral reform since its report on the presidential election of 2004. A Commonwealth team was in Cameroon in late February for further discussions on this subject.

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