The government of Cameroon has expressed its dissatisfaction with the recent eviction and deportation of Cameroonian nationals from Equatorial Guinea. The incident prompted the Cameroon government to summon the Equatorial Guinea Ambassador to Cameroon, Armando Kote Echuaca, on Friday, April 26, to explain the actions.
Violation of CEMAC and ECCAS Conventions
In a meeting with Cameroon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lejeune Mbela Mbela, the government highlighted the principles of free movement of people within the CEMAC and ECCAS economic blocs. According to officials, the deportation occurred without prior notice to either the Cameroonian Embassy in Malabo, the capital, or the consulate in Bata.
“The government of Cameroon expressed its outrage and strong disapproval of these recurring expulsions of Cameroonian nationals from Equatorial Guinean territory, in violation of CEMAC and ECCAS conventions regarding the free movement and residence of nationals of Central African countries,” Mbela Mbela said in the meeting.
Calls for Urgent Consular Consultation
He further emphasized Cameroon’s longstanding hospitality toward citizens of Equatorial Guinea and expressed confusion as to why such actions were being taken against Cameroonian nationals.
Pointing to the close ties between the leaders of both nations, Cameroon’s foreign ministry suggested that an urgent consultation on consular matters should take place. “This 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,” Mbela Mbela added.
Ambassador Echuaca conveyed his government’s regrets over the incident, calling it “an unfortunate situation.” He assured the Cameroonian authorities that he would communicate their concerns to his government. Additionally, he expressed agreement with Mbela Mbela’s call for an urgent consular consultation and reaffirmed the strength of the friendly relations between the two countries.
A History of Deportations
This is not the first instance of Cameroonian citizens being deported from Equatorial Guinea. Despite the historical camaraderie between the two nations, similar expulsions have occurred in the past.
