Cameroon: Belgian Ambassador Summoned After Minister Attacked in Brussels
Acts of Violence Targeting State Officials
On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the Cameroonian government summoned the Belgian ambassador to Cameroon, Alain Leroy, to express its deep indignation at the attack on Mounouna Foutsou, Minister of Youth and Civic Education, and the Cameroonian ambassador to Belgium, in two separate incidents in Brussels on February 28 and March 3.
A Targeted Attack on the Cameroonian Diaspora
On February 28, activists from the Cameroonian diaspora, affiliated to the Brigade Anti-Sardinards (BAS), disrupted a ceremony organized by Mounouna Foutsou in a Brussels hotel, as part of the closing ceremony of Youth Month. Videos posted on social networks show the demonstrators shouting anti-government slogans and spraying people with flour.
On March 3, the minister was again targeted as he left his hotel for the airport. This time, the Cameroonian ambassador to Belgium was injured, a photo of him with blood on his face having circulated on social networks.
A Firm Reaction from the Cameroonian Government
In an official statement, the Ministry of Communication denounced the “indescribable scenes of aggression”, describing the assailants as “instrumentalized terrorist madmen”.
The government condemns “irresponsible and barbaric behavior”, stating that it runs counter to the objectives of state representatives, particularly in terms of the socio-professional integration of young people. It also recalls the international obligations of host countries with regard to the protection of diplomats and official representatives.
In a separate statement, the Cameroonian embassy in Belgium called for “the rejection of all forms of violence”, reaffirming its commitment to the values of peace and dialogue.
Diplomatic tension with Belgium
Faced with these events, the Minister of External Relations summoned the Belgian ambassador to Yaoundé to express Cameroon’s “indignation and strong disapproval”.
The government also promises that measures will be taken to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of these acts, which it considers to be seditious acts threatening public order.
Conclusion
These incidents reflect rising tensions between the Cameroonian government and its militant diaspora, particularly active in Europe. At a time when Brussels is regularly the scene of anti-regime demonstrations, this affair could lead to a hardening of diplomatic relations between Cameroon and Belgium, with potential repercussions on their bilateral cooperation.
