The government of Cameroon has condemned the recent irresponsible and barbaric acts of violence against the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education and the Cameroonian ambassador to the kingdom of Belgium on February 28 and March 3.
The Government of Cameroon has strongly condemned acts of violence perpetrated against the Minister of Youth and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou, and Cameroonian Ambassador to Belgium, Daniel Evina Abe’e recently. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Communication, Rene Emmanuel Sadi, on March 4, the first incident took place on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Claridge Hotel. Minister Foutsou was presiding over the closing ceremony of Youth Month, an event attended by young Cameroonians from the diaspora and other participants. A group claiming to be part of the Brigade Anti-Sardinards, BAS, forcefully entered the venue, disrupting the event with violence. A second attack occurred on the morning of Monday, March 3, 2025, as Minister Foutsou was preparing to depart for Cameroon. Accompanied by Ambassador Abe’e, he was again targeted by the same individuals.
The government described these actions as unacceptable and an attack on the country’s officials abroad. In its communiqué, the Cameroonian government reaffirmed that any aggression against state representatives is an aggression against the entire nation. The government also emphasized that all Cameroonians, regardless of location, must respect national institutions and their representatives. The statement further highlighted that Cameroon operates as a democracy and a state governed by the rule of law. It reiterated that political change occurs through legal and electoral processes, not violence. The Cameroonian government called on all citizens, particularly those in the diaspora, to act responsibly and support national institutions to ensure the successful execution of development projects.
It also urged foreign authorities to uphold international conventions and mutual respect in handling such incidents. Authorities have announced that measures will be taken to identify and prosecute those responsible for these attacks. Further investigations are expected to follow as Cameroon pursues legal actions to address the situation.
What happened in Brussels?
Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou, faced a disruptive reception in Brussels during a sensitization tour aimed at engaging the Cameroonian Diaspora ahead of the upcoming presidential election. The event, held at Le Caridge Hotel, was interrupted by protesters who opposed government policies and called for political change. Tensions escalated when some members of the minister’s team were confronted, and powder was thrown at attendees. The protesters questioned the minister’s visit, accusing the delegation of promoting President Paul Biya’s image rather than addressing youth concerns in Cameroon.
Despite conflicting reports about the minister’s whereabouts, he later addressed the incident in a video, emphasizing his commitment to dialogue and inviting people to engage with him online. Minister Foutsou reappeared online on March 1, wearing an Indomitable Lions jersey, and reiterated the purpose of the campaign, urging peace and unity as Cameroon prepares for the presidential election.
