Anglophone separatists in Cameroon have declared a three — day ceasefire to facilitate the safe passage of civilians during Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the conflict-stricken region. The announcement, made by the Unity Alliance, recognizes the spiritual significance of the papal visit and the need to protect civilian lives. The ceasefire, effective from Wednesday, aims to ensure a peaceful environment for those celebrating the visit. The government has yet to issue a formal response.
The ongoing conflict in the English — speaking regions of Cameroon has resulted in at least 6,000 deaths and forced many from their homes. Pope Leo, currently in Algeria on a 11-day tour of the continent, is scheduled to visit Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. His visit, which includes a stop in Annaba, Algeria, is the first papal visit to a predominantly Sunni Muslim country and marks the birthplace of St Augustine.
In Cameroon, Pope Leo is set to visit Bamenda, the capital of the North — West region, which is a focal point of the conflict between Anglophone separatists and state forces. The government’s 2019 national dialogue failed to end the violence in the two English-speaking regions. The Unity Alliance emphasized the importance of keeping the Pope’s visit spiritual and pastoral, warning against any political interference.
While the Cameroonian government, dominated by francophones, has not commented on the ceasefire, authorities have stated they have taken appropriate measures to ensure security. Pope Leo’s visit to Bamenda is seen as a symbolic peace initiative by the Catholic Church. The pontiff is also expected to hold a peace meeting at the Saint-Joseph’s Cathedral in the city. All sites visited by the Pope will be open to the public at no cost.
The Pope’s extensive tour includes stops in 11 cities across the four countries, reflecting the significant role of Catholicism in Africa, where more than a fifth of the world’s Catholics reside.
Source: BBC Africa
