Post-election tension, armed conflict in NW, SW: EU Ambassador calls for appeasement, inclusive political dialogue.

He also touched on the need to picture political prisoners within actions to ease tensions before touching on experience sharing in dealing with corruption, issues around human rights and support for vulnerable communities.

While reiterating respect for the country’s sovereignty, Ambassador Chataigner noted that ties between EU and Cameroon remain on a win-win path with a promising future.

He cited huge EU investments in Cameroon, through the Team Europe approach which groups all countries of the bloc, noting strides in infrastructure, energy, climate resilience, economic development, education, youth, governance and security. It is a concise and revealing interview conducted by Doh Bertrand. 

Read on…

Thank you for accepting to talk with us at the end of your diplomatic sojourn in Cameroon. Firstly, Your Excellency, how can you describe the current relationship between the EU and Cameroon?

Thank you for having me. As I come to the end of my mission, I can say with confidence that the relationship between the European Union and Cameroon is strong, mature and forward-looking. 

But for me, this partnership is above all about people. During my three years here, I have had the privilege of travelling across the country and discovering its extraordinary diversity. 

I have met people from very different backgrounds and communities, and everywhere I have encountered the same generosity, dignity and strong attachment to Cameroon.

These personal encounters have given a very human face to our partnership. Our relationship goes well beyond traditional development cooperation. 

It is based on mutual respect, shared interests and continuous dialogue, covering infrastructure, energy, economic development, education, youth, governance, security and climate resilience.

And, like any genuine partnership, it includes frank conversations. We do not always agree, but we can speak openly and respectfully to one another. 

That, for me, is a sign of a mature relationship. I would therefore describe EU-Cameroon relations as a partnership of trust, substance and long-term commitment, with considerable potential for the future.

What is the balance sheet of the EU-Cameroon relations under your tenure?

I would describe it as positive and meaningful. We worked on two complementary objectives: making the Europe-Cameroon partnership more strategic and making it more concrete and visible. A major achievement has been the implementation of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, with important projects such as the Nachtigal Hydropower Project and the Logone River Bridge.

But infrastructure is never an end in itself. What matters is what it makes possible: more reliable energy, better connectivity, stronger businesses, jobs and new opportunities. This is the real measure of the impact of our cooperation. 

We also strengthened the Team Europe approach, bringing together the EU and its member States; Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, around common priorities and combining our financial and technical resources. This has allowed us to have a greater impact than we could achieve by acting individually. 

Finally, we invested considerably in communication and public diplomacy, because I believe that a partnership is strongest when people understand what it brings to their lives.

I have particularly valued meeting young people, entrepreneurs, artists, journalists and local communities across the country. I therefore leave with the feeling that the EU-Cameroon partnership is today more strategic, more visible and better equipped to respond to the aspirations and challenges of the country.

What is the view of the EU on the political climate in the country since the last presidential election of October 12, 2025?

The European Union follows developments in Cameroon closely, while fully respecting the country’s sovereignty and constitutional order. Our role is not to take sides in political competition, but to encourage, in accordance with the values of the Samoa Treaty that bind us together, peaceful political participation, dialogue, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. 

We have encouraged the authorities to consider measures of appeasement regarding those arrested in connection with the post-electoral crisis, as well as those detained solely for political reasons. Such gestures could help rebuild trust and create a more favourable climate for reconciliation. I say this with great respect for Cameroon and its institutions. I have come to appreciate profoundly the country’s diversity and the resilience of its people. 

Our message is therefore one of partnership: peaceful engagement, respect for constitutional and legal processes, and continued efforts to strengthen governance, transparency and public trust. The EU remains ready to support Cameroon in these areas.

For ten years now, the North West and South West Regions of the country have been rocked by armed conflict. What is the proposal of the EU for a way out of this crisis?

The crisis in the North West and South West Regions is one of the most serious challenges facing Cameroon. After almost ten years, the human cost is enormous, and behind every statistic there are families, children and communities whose lives have been profoundly affected. 

The EU’s position is clear: we do not believe there can be a lasting military solution to a crisis of this nature. A sustainable way forward requires an inclusive, credible and meaningful political dialogue, led by Cameroonians themselves and addressing the root causes of the conflict. 

This also requires protecting civilians, respecting human rights and international humanitarian law, facilitating humanitarian access and creating space for those prepared to engage peacefully. The EU will continue to support affected communities and initiatives promoting peace, dialogue, reconciliation and resilience.

Ultimately, every Cameroonian, whatever their region or language, must feel that they belong, that their rights are respected and that they have a stake in the country’s future. For me, that is not only a political objective. It is fundamentally a human one.

What projections do you have for the future of relations between the EU and Cameroon?

I am genuinely confident about the future of EU-Cameroon relations. We have a strong foundation, and there is considerable potential to make our strategic partnership even more concrete: energy, infrastructure, digital transformation, sustainable agriculture, transport and private-sector development. 

The EU’s particular strength is that our grants can be combined with financing from leading European and international financial institutions, helping to mobilise larger investments and make financing more affordable. 

For the private sector, this can also help reduce risks and unlock new investment. But our partnership must remain about more than infrastructure and economics. It must continue to invest in people, young Cameroonians, women, entrepreneurs, researchers, artists and civil society. 

I leave Cameroon confident because I have seen what this country and its people can achieve. My hope is that the EU-Cameroon partnership will continue to become stronger, more strategic and, above all, more directly beneficial to the lives of Cameroonians.

What advice do you have for our authorities on issues of rights violations, democracy, good governance and the fight against corruption in general?

I would perhaps not use the word “advice”. On these fundamental issues, I believe that we have much to learn from one another. No country or institution has a monopoly on good governance, and every society has its own history, challenges and ways of addressing them. The European Union itself is constantly learning and improving its own practices. What we can do as partners is share experiences, listen to one another and continue to strengthen the institutions and practices that build citizens’ trust. 

On human rights, this means protecting fundamental freedoms, properly investigating allegations of violations and ensuring accountability in accordance with the law. A strong State is not only one that can enforce the law; it is also one that protects the dignity and rights of its citizens. On democracy and governance, transparency, accountability and meaningful political participation are essential. 

The fight against corruption likewise requires credible institutions, effective enforcement and transparency in public procurement and public finances.

Democratic governance is not an external prescription. It is an investment in Cameroon’s stability, attractiveness and development and ultimately in the confidence that citizens place in their institutions. 

The European Union stands ready to continue supporting Cameroon in this spirit of partnership, dialogue and mutual learning. Ultimately, what matters is that citizens trust their institutions and feel that the law protects them fairly and equally.

 What memories do you have of Cameroon as you depart?

I will leave Cameroon with many memories, but above all with a deep affection and appreciation for its people. What has struck me most is the extraordinary diversity of your country, its languages, cultures, landscapes and traditions, and the pride Cameroonians have in their country.

I will remember the warmth and hospitality I experienced everywhere, from Yaounde and Douala to the Far North, the North West, the South West and so many other places.

I will remember the people I met: officials, entrepreneurs, farmers, artists, journalists, civil society representatives and, above all, young people. Their energy, creativity and determination have inspired me enormously. 

Cameroon faces real challenges, but I have also seen extraordinary resilience and potential. I hope the country will continue to build on its diversity as a strength, and that the partnership with the European Union will contribute to peace, prosperity and opportunity for all. I came to Cameroon as an ambassador. I leave as a friend and with many friends. And I may be leaving Cameroon, but Cameroon will certainly not leave me.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3888 of Monday August 24, 2026