The talk comes shortly after the recent deportation of Cameroonian nationals from Equatorial Guinea.
The government of Cameroon recently summoned the Equatorial Guinean Ambassador to Cameroon, Armando Kote Echuaca, following the deportation of Cameroonian nationals from Equatorial Guinea. The meeting was held as part of broader efforts to calm rising tensions caused by the deportation and to find lasting solutions to the problem.
During the meeting where Cameroon was represented by the Minister of External Relations, Mbella Mbella, the Cameroonian government emphasized its commitment to the principles of free movement of people within the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa, CEMAC and the Economic Community of Central African States, ECCAS economic blocs.
The deportation of Cameroonian citizens without prior notification to the Cameroonian Embassy in Malabo, the consulate in Bata revealed, was a central point of concern. Minister Mbella Mbella conveyed the government of Cameroon’s “outrage and strong disapproval” regarding the deportations, which they view as a violation of the CEMAC and ECCAS conventions protecting the free movement and residence of Central African nationals.
He also highlighted Cameroon’s longstanding hospitality towards citizens of Equatorial Guinea, noting the incongruity of such actions against Cameroonian residents. Recognizing the importance of the relationship between the two nations, Cameroon’s Ministry of External Relations put forward a proposal for urgent consular consultations.
Minister Mbella Mbella expressed the hope that the consultations “could lead to a definitive resolution of the issue while respecting the sovereignty of both countries, helping to prevent further damage to the image of the Central African subregion,”. Ambassador Echuaca responded by conveying his government’s regret over the incident, describing it as “an unfortunate situation,” He assured the Cameroonian authorities that he would promptly relay their concerns to his government.
Also, he voiced his agreement with the call for urgent consular consultations, reiterating the strength of the friendly relations between Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. Through this diplomatic engagement, the Cameroonian government aims to foster a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding the deportations. They are urging Equatorial Guinea to abide by the principles of free movement as stipulated in the CEMAC and ECCAS agreements.
The intended consular consultations represent a proactive step toward addressing the current challenges and preventing any recurrence of such events, thereby ensuring the safety and security of Cameroonian citizens residing in Equatorial Guinea and preserving the positive relationship between the two Central African countries. The meeting reflects a diplomatic effort to navigate a sensitive issue and prevent further strain on bilateral relations.
