Cameroon: 'This Papal visit is a sign of peace'

Parishioners and priest gather round new motorbike in Bamenda (© ACN)

Source: Aid to the Church in Need

A bishop in Cameroon is praying Pope Leo's visit will herald a "path to peace" as warring factions call a "truce" in anglophone regions marked by conflict.

Speaking ahead of the pontiff's arrival today (Wednesday 15th April), Bishop Emmanuel Dassi of Bafia told Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) there are already signs of hope.

The leader of the Catholic Church plans to travel to Bamenda, where the Anglophone separatist conflict with government forces began in 2017.

The bishop said: "The conflict continues, although fortunately it is no longer as violent as before. I believe Leo XIV's visit is part of this peacebuilding work of the Church.

"This papal visit is a sign of peace. On Thursday 16th April, he will travel to Bamenda, the epicentre of the anglophone separatist crisis. Roads that had become impassable due to local armed groups have been reopened. Companies had previously refused to maintain them because their machinery had been set on fire.

"In recent months, they have brought the city back into operation. The Pope's plane will even land at the city's airport, which had been out of service for years because of the conflict.

"This shows that local leaders have accepted a truce and have entered into talks with the government. Perhaps this is the beginning of a path towards peace?"

On Monday (13th April) Pope Leo began an 11-day tour of four African nations - Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea - where he plans to say Masses, deliver speeches and speak to community leaders.

Bishop Dassi said the Pope would see that "Ours is a vibrant and dynamic Church" which celebrates many baptisms and priestly vocations. I have 77 priests and 30 seminarians, so I am not overly worried about the future. Furthermore, I have received requests to open ten new parishes in the near future.

"This demonstrates the growth of our Church, although I do not know if we will have the resources to respond favourably to all these requests. We face difficulties in being present where we are needed, especially in rural areas. Some parishioners travel kilometres by motorbike just to attend Sunday Mass."

He said because of their presence Cameroonian clergy were able to help mediate the conflict in the English-speaking region.

He added: "We are the only local actors who enjoy a degree of credibility with both sides. Since the violence broke out between separatists and security forces in 2017, we have never hesitated to criticise the government's shortcomings, and we maintain a presence in the disputed areas.

"The clergy is paying the price. Priests and bishops are frequently kidnapped. Even our Cardinal Tumi - may he rest in peace - was kidnapped, carried like a parcel on a motorbike, and held for two days in the jungle, despite being 90 years old at the time."

But he said violence had diminished and the Pope's visit is a hopeful sign. "The separatists have taken a step in the right direction by facilitating this visit - now I hope the government will push for a democratic breakthrough."