Luxembourg Foreign Minister at OIF Cameroon Conference Addresses Threats to Democracy

Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, participated in the 44th session of the ministerial conference of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF - an international organisation of French-speaking countries) in Yaoundé, Cameroon on Saturday 4 November 2023.

The ministerial conference was placed under the following themes: "The OIF facing the recurring ruptures of democracy in the French-speaking area" and "Good governance: guarantee of political, economic and cultural stability for French-speaking citizens".

Minister Asselborn began his intervention by noting that, even though we were on a path of progressive democratisation of our respective regions over the last 20 to 30 years, these past achievements are now openly questioned on all continents.

"The rise of populism, polycrises, the loss of confidence of our fellow citizens in their institutions, instability and regional wars lead almost everywhere to protest movements, and sometimes even to coups against order established democracy," he noted. "Just like the deep roots, the answers to them are complex. Simply calling for the restoration of democratic order is not enough. Taking sanctions and breaking all ties is often frowned upon. The manipulation of our populations through disinformation (both internal and especially external), the impoverishment of many fellow citizens and the increase in inequalities, the interference of third parties, as well as terrorism are all factors which contribute to the situation of current fragility, a situation to which we nevertheless must respond."

Luxembourg's Foreign Minister continued: "Without democratic governance, without the rule of law, without the empowerment of individuals and particularly women, there can be no long-term economic prosperity and political stability. This stability must be anchored in a broader framework, that of multilateralism based on rules. As a small European country, Luxembourg is very attached to multilateralism. And it is this multilateral order that we must defend every day - here in Africa, in Europe, in the Middle East and everywhere in the world. [...] We must also avoid any type of double standards and let me be clear: any war, any conflict, any danger to human lives and our values must be condemned in the same way, whether for example in Sudan, Ukraine, Israel or Gaza, and everywhere in the world." He added: "Today I have a special thought for my friend President Bazoum [ousted President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum], a great democrat. His fate is unworthy of the rule of law, unworthy of democratic Africa!"

Minister Asselborn also took the opportunity to speak with OIF Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo, Andorra's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Imma Tor Faus, North Macedonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and current OSCE Chairman, Bujar Osmani, and Togo's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Robert Dussey.