2024-04-11 19:11:35
From his cell at Kondengui central prison, Professor Alain Fogué, nicknamed “The Cameroonian Che Guevara”, launches a vibrant appeal to ELECAM. His fight: to allow prisoners, mostly awaiting trial, to register on the electoral lists. A strong and unprecedented gesture in the Cameroonian political landscape.
A plea for the civil rights of prisoners
Alain Fogué has not lost his militant flame behind bars. The one many call “ Cameroonian Che Guevara » continues to fight for the rights of the oppressed, as our correspondent at Kondengui prison reports for 237online.com. His latest crusade: allowing prisoners to register on the electoral lists and thus exercise their right to vote.
80% of prisoners awaiting trial
For Alain Fogué, this demand is a question of justice. “80% of detainees are pre-trial detainees”, he insists. In other words, people awaiting trial who still benefit from the presumption of innocence. As such, they should be able to participate in the country’s democratic choices, believes the professor.
ELECAM arrested
It is therefore towards ELECAM that Alain Fogué turns to advance this cause. He urges the body in charge of elections to mobilize in Cameroonian prisons to organize registrations on the electoral lists. An unprecedented approach which would certainly shake up habits, but which would be a big step towards a more inclusive democracy.
A strong political gesture
Beyond the practical aspect, Alain Fogué’s request has a strong symbolic dimension. It is a strong political gesture, which reminds us that prisoners, despite their incarceration, remain full citizens with fundamental rights. It is also a way of fighting against the stigmatization and social exclusion that often affect detained people.
A call for general mobilization
But Alain Fogué doesn’t just talk, he acts. His slogan is clear: “Register massively on the electoral lists”. An appeal that he addresses to all Cameroonians of voting age, whether behind bars or at large. Because for him, it is through the participation of all that democracy will advance.
Alain Fogué’s cry from the heart resonates as a powerful reminder of democratic values. It invites us to rethink our relationship to citizenship and inclusion. Because a democracy that leaves part of its population on the sidelines is an unfinished democracy.
So, dear readers of www.237online.com, let us echo this call. Let’s mobilize, let’s register massively on the electoral lists. And above all, let us not forget those who, deprived of their freedom, remain full citizens. It is together, united in our diversity, that we will build the Cameroon of tomorrow. A fairer, more inclusive, more democratic Cameroon.