MPC

12/04/2026

HOPE IN THE CATHEDRAL: THE PAPAL VISIT AMID THE ANGLOPHONE CRISES

A Personal Reflection on Pope Leo XIV's Visit to BAMENDA CAMEROON

| By Carine Tarla (ICM)

Seventeen years after the last papal visit, the arrival of Pope Leo XIV in Cameroon feels different.

From 15 to 18 April 2026, he travels through Yaounde, Bamenda, and Douala under the guiding theme, “May they all be one” (John 17:21), as announced by the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (CENC).

This visit comes at a time when many of us carry questions we cannot easily answer, and wounds we have learned to live with. For me, it is not just a national moment; it is deeply personal.

His visit to Bamenda, precisely at the St Joseph Cathedral, my home parish, quietly stirs something: hope. There is something about a cathedral that goes beyond its walls.

Like any true house of worship, it is a place where people come not simply because everything is clear, but also because it is not. It is a house of prayer, a place of stillness and reflection, where human longing meets the presence of God.

It is also a place where silence is honoured, where prayers are sometimes sighs, and where stories, spoken or unspoken, find a kind of shelter, held not only by the community, but before God who listens even when words fail.

The Anglophone crisis has changed us. It has shaped how we remember, how we speak and sometimes how we avoid speaking.

There are things we have seen: lives lost, homes emptied, families separated, voices silenced and the quiet fear that lingers longer than we admit. There are things we have lost: time, trust, a sense of normal life. There are also things that we still struggle to understand. And yet life goes on as we carry both faith and the weight of what we have lived through.

A “MEETING FOR PEACE”

Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya of Bamenda has described the Pope “as a messenger of peace, an ambassador of reconciliation and promoter of justice,” and called the visit a “rising sun” of hope amid “a lot” the people have endured (Vatican News, 26 Feb. 2026; ACI Africa, 27 Feb. 2026).

In his Message for the World Day of Peace on Jan. 1 2026, Pope Leo XIV spoke of an “unarmed and disarming” peace: humble, persevering, rooted in the risen Christ’s greeting, “Peace be with you!” It is a peace that resists violence not through force, but through moral clarity, patient dialogue, conversion of hearts and the creation of spaces for genuine encounter.

This “Meeting for Peace” feels so important, not because it will solve everything, but because it creates a moment where we might begin again to tell our stories, to listen, and probably to heal slowly.

With the Pope’s coming, I do not expect answers. I think many of us do not. What we hope for is something simpler, and perhaps more difficult: to be seen, to be heard, to be reminded that our suffering is not forgotten.

And because he speaks not only to us but before the world, his word goes beyond the cathedral, giving our suffering a voice that cannot easily be ignored. Under the banner, “May they all be one”— This message carries the quiet authority of hope itself. In Bamenda, that vision feels close to home.



READ MORE in the Comments: 👇

17/03/2026

We're rounding off this Special Series on some Cameroonian Women making strides in improving the Lives of other Women and Girls, across different sectors.

We zoom in on Yanda Olga of Wazieats Plc, who is changing how Buyers access Food produced by farmers especially women — from the Farm to dining Tables.

This is her Story:

CAMEROONIAN ENTREPRENEUR LINKS FARMERS DIRECTLY TO CONSUMERS FOR FAIRER AND LARGER MARKETS

For decades, women have been the backbone of Cameroon’s agro-industry, making up the vast majority of those who till the soil, cultivate crops and supply local markets with food.

Yet despite their critical role in feeding communities, many smallholder farmers, particularly women, continue to face significant challenges in selling their produce at fair prices or accessing larger markets across the country.

Too often, they rely on middlemen who dictate prices, leaving them with little bargaining power and limited profits for their hard work.

Witnessing these realities firsthand, Olga Yanda, Founder of WaziEats, set out to create a solution that could bridge the gap between producers and buyers.

Through WaziEats, a digital platform connecting farmers directly to consumers and businesses, she is transforming how agricultural products move from farm to table while equipping women with tools to grow their businesses.

“It was, more importantly, a way to bring fairness and dignity to women in the informal sector who have long been underrepresented,” she says.

Through WaziEats, Yanda is transforming Cameroon’s agricultural landscape by connecting farmers directly to buyers, reducing the influence of middlemen, and equipping women in rural and urban communities with the tools, mentorship, and visibility they need to expand their businesses.

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN FARMERS AND MARKETS

On a day-to-day basis, WaziEats blends technology with human coordination. Farmers log what they’ve harvested and how it was produced, while restaurants, markets and consumers place their orders.

The WaziEats team coordinates deliveries, carries out quality checks and provides business support to ensure smooth transactions. But beyond logistics, every interaction is also an opportunity for capacity building.

“Behind every transaction, there’s training, guidance and mentorship, especially for women producers,” Yanda says.

TRAINING, MENTORSHIP AND SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAINS

Building sustainable supply chains and promoting women’s leadership in the agro-industry has not been without challenges.

Structural barriers, such as limited access to credit, land ownership and professional networks, continue to hold many women back.

To overcome these obstacles, WaziEats has created transparent processes. It offers micro-finance opportunities and fosters supportive networks that amplify women’s voices in agriculture.

“Each challenge we navigate is a step toward justice, making sure women are not only included but also lead and thrive,” she says.

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE

Beyond programs and systems, Yanda is passionate about encouraging the next generation of women to step forward and innovate in agriculture.

“Trust your ideas and take the first step, even when it feels risky,” she urges.

Yanda is not just connecting farms to markets with WaziEats; she is cultivating a future where women lead, innovate, and shape the agro-industry with confidence and dignity.



Wazieats Proximity

12/03/2026

In continuation of our celebration of Women this Month, we're putting the spotlight on Yvonne Muma Bih, a Cameroonian Gender Activist passionate about protecting Women's rights especially in Politics.

This is her Story:

GENDER ACTIVIST EMPOWERS WOMEN AND YOUTHS TO TAKE THEIR PLACE IN POLITICS

While serving in the upper ranks of a political party, Muma Bih Yvonne began to notice a troubling pattern: women were present in political spaces but rarely in positions of influence.

Their participation, she recalls, was often reduced to symbolic roles.

“Most women only featured their participation around cooking, dancing, clapping and you name the rest,” says Muma.

“Women never seriously came out and were not represented.”

Determined to challenge this trend, she co-founded the Network for More Women in Politics in 2006.

Back then, she asked, “Why not call it, More Women in Politics? More women, not as clappers, not as cooks, not as dancers but as candidates.”

Inspired by frameworks such as the Beijing Platform for Action, the initiative sought to push women into leadership roles where policies are shaped.

“We aimed to promote women to go in as candidates and sensitize them on the need for their presence in leadership instances,” she says.

Later in 2019, during the Anglophone crisis, Muma co-founded CAWOPEM, a national women’s peace movement bringing together women from all ten regions of Cameroon.
“We wanted peacebuilding to be a national issue,” says Muma.

Through the movement, women identify early warning signs of conflict and advocate for solutions that include women at every level. Muma emphasizes that women are often the first responders in crises but are rarely part of decision-making tables.

Over two decades later, Muma says the network has recorded notable successes in advancing women’s participation in governance, even though the struggle for full representation continues.

When the initiative was created, women’s presence in Cameroon’s parliament was extremely limited.

“In parliament, we had less than what I would even call a percentage,” she says. “We just had 12 women.”

Today, that picture has changed considerably, with women now occupying over 31 percent of seats, surpassing the benchmark recommended by the Beijing Platform for Action.

For her, this progress reflects years of advocacy aimed at pushing institutions and political actors to take gender inclusion seriously.

“Our work has not gone for nothing,” she says.

Through sustained engagement, the network pushed the country’s election management body to incorporate gender considerations into the electoral framework.

“We were able to hold the election organizing body to mainstream gender in the electoral code. If you see today that gender is mentioned, it was not the case before,” she explains.

WOMEN'S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION AND BARRIERS

Despite the significant achievements of the network, Muma reiterates that women still face significant challenges in the Cameroonian political sphere.

One of the most persistent challenges is what she describes as “feminized poverty.” Politics often requires financial resources, networks, and time assets that many women struggle to secure. “To do politics, one must have the means,” she says.

Beyond these structural constraints, political, cultural and family expectations often collide with women’s ambitions.

With women multitasking, they cannot attend the same meetings and close at the same time with men, who expect them to play their motherly role while also being politicians,” says Muma.

She believes that overcoming these barriers require resilience and collective action:

“Power is not given, it is seized, and until women assemble themselves, their voices will remain limited in political decision-making.”

She also stresses that reforms such as clearer electoral calendars and revised voting policies could create a more level playing field, enabling women to participate fully in governance.

08/03/2026

In commemoration of International Women's Day 2026, we're shining a Spotlight on some Cameroonian Women making strides in Empowering other Women and Girls.

Their Passion, Motivation and Stories are an Inspiration for a better society, where Women thrive against all odds.

In the Beauty Industry in Cameroon, Myra Fombe of LoR'Terr Optionsl has left her mark in the Natural Hair sector.

This is her Story:

A PERSONAL STRUGGLE SPARKS A SOLUTION

Fombe’s journey into natural hair care began during one of the most difficult moments of her life. She recalls experiencing severe hair loss that left patches across her scalp.

After struggling with persistent hair loss and feeling hopeless, she sought medical advice and was relieved to learn she had no underlying illness. Her hair problems were largely caused by stress and the frequent use of chemical relaxers.

Determined to find a solution, she began researching natural hair care methods. Through hours of study and experimentation, she eventually mastered a technique known as finger curls, which allowed her hair to look healthy and well-styled without the use of chemicals.

“I started by styling my friends and church members free of charge,” Fombe recalls.
“Just to see if they could appreciate it. It was incredible to watch how something so simple could give women confidence and inspire them to embrace their natural hair.”

FROM SITTING ROOM EXPERIMENT TO THRIVING SALON

What began as a small experiment soon grew into something bigger. Fombe initially styled hair for friends and acquaintances in her sitting room, gradually building a loyal clientele.

In 2014, LoR’Terr Options officially opened its doors in Makepe, Douala. Reflecting on the early days of the business, Fombe says the venture became closely tied to her personal sense of purpose.

“While caring for my own hair, I sought guidance on my purpose in life,” she explains.

“I realized that I was passionate about beauty, and helping women embrace and maintain natural hair became the centre of my purpose.”

Today, LoR’Terr Options, with branches in Yaounde and Douala, attracts clients from different parts of Cameroon and beyond, many of whom seek specialized care for their natural hair.

PROMOTING PRIDE IN NATURAL HAIR

Beyond the salon walls, Fombe and her team are actively working to change perceptions about natural hair.

She also founded the Kinky Soul Caravan, a movement that celebrates Afro hair on the streets of Douala. The caravan included trade fairs, carnivals, and competitions.

“It was a form of sensitization campaign, so women came up with remarkable afro hairstyles because they wanted to stand out. People were intrigued when we walked around Douala.”

Though COVID-19 paused the initiative, Fombe remains committed to education and empowerment, recognizing the importance of both health and pride in natural hair.

TRAINING AND EMPOWERING YOUNG WOMEN

A central part of Fombe`s mission is empowering young women through skills training.

Since the creation of LoR’Terr Options, she has trained more than 100 young women free of charge, many of whom have gone on to establish themselves as natural hair specialists across Cameroon.

She sees this effort as a personal contribution to empowering girls, particularly those who may not have access to formal education or professional training opportunities.

To her, the goal goes beyond running a successful business; it is about creating opportunities for others.

BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY AND CHALLENGES

“I don’t believe in taking loans,” she explains. “I go slowly, save money, and plan.”

Her main challenge has been human resources. Natural hair salons require extensive training; stylists cannot simply be hired off the street.

Fombe hopes to open a vocational training centre in the near future. She also has plans to expand to all regions in Cameroon, and eventually beyond, while maintaining quality and empowering women along the way.

ADVICE TO ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS

Fombe emphasizes purpose over profit.

“Your purpose is what you do, even if you’re not paid. If it’s your purpose, when things get rough, you won’t abandon it, and money will always come.”

Her advice is simple: find your passion, commit to it, and the rest will fall into place.

06/03/2026

BETWEEN CAREER AND CARE: WHY MANY MOTHERS IN CAMEROON STRUGGLE TO BREASTFEED

Every weekday at 7 a.m., FIELEFACK ROKA NKEMPU PASSO leaves her home in Yaounde, Cameroon, preparing for another day at the Supreme Court, where she serves as Magistrate of the Audit Bench. By 9 a.m., she is seated behind her desk, files stacked, and her workday usually stretches till evening.

She is now a mother of three but she vividly remembers the exhaustion and uncertainty she experienced following the birth of her first child.

“I always wanted to exclusively breastfeed for six months,’’ she recalls. “I knew all about the benefits, and I was certain it was the best thing for my baby.’’

When her first child was born, she began breastfeeding with confidence. However, as time passed, the reality of motherhood clashed with the demands of her job. Returning to an intense 9-to-5 schedule and coping with physical fatigue gradually took a toll on her. Eventually, she stopped exclusive breastfeeding earlier than planned.

Years later, by the time she was pregnant with her second and third children, her perspective had changed. Equipped with better experience and a clearer understanding of the challenges ahead, she renewed her commitment.

“This time around, I told myself I would go all the way,’’ she says. “I was more prepared mentally, and I had learned from my first experience.’’

Her determination eventually paid off. Regardless of the same demanding schedule, she succeeded in exclusively breastfeeding her second and third for 6 months, a personal achievement which she describes as both exhausting and exciting.

Today, as a seasoned professional and a mother of three, Fielefack's story mirrors the reality of many career women in Cameroon, where the demands of the job often collide with the important duty of exclusive breastfeeding.

READ MORE: How this Cameroonian Working Mother eventually succeeded to Breastfeed for six months, the support group that assisted her, Precious Lactation and the workplace reforms Sources say are needed to help women give their Babies better care — Link in the First Comment👇

28/02/2026

11/02/2026

In this Edition of our Newsletter, we're featuring a Young Cameroonian who, in her 30's, is helping other young people change their perceptions about Elections in Cameroon and become active participants of the process as their civic right.

Ndi Nancy Saiboh shares her leadership experience as a Young woman, and how she navigates through the challenges faced.

Read More via the Link:
Amplifying Youth Voices: Inside the Work of a Young Cameroonian Woman Advancing Civic Participation
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/amplifying-youth-voices-inside-work-young-cameroonian-01bne?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&utm_campaign=share_via

By Christelle Nfor Mugha Beyond the titles and organizational roles, Saibou describes herself simply as “a daughter, a sister, a friend” and someone who believes deeply in dignity. A learner by nature, she asks questions, observes patterns and constantly tries to understand why systems function ...

30/01/2026

Fun Memories of Christmas In the Forest, with the Forest Children of Africa.

30/01/2026

The Forest Children of Africa opened the doors of their 'Home' to the Public for the first time, so they could experience Christmas in the Forest in their company.

It was a fun-filled Event during which the Children demonstrated their Knowledge as well as skills in Singing plus Dancing notably the 'Bottledance' amongst others.

Learn More about the Forest Children and how they're groomed to serve their Community, from within the Forest.

From the Forest to the World:
https://youtu.be/GWjEyEJG4Hc?si=jogvWapEcVpRiULv

30/11/2025

28/11/2025

Welcome to this Edition of our Newsletter, focused on the hidden toll of Gender-Based Violence in Cameroon.

In this Edition, we explore how different forms of domestic violence occur while they remain underreported.

For this Article, the Reporter interviewed a Gender Expert who shares her personal story as a Survivor, as well as a legal consultant and a traditional leader for perspectives surrounding the topic.

While several international and national laws exist to protect women and girls against gender-based violence, Sources and figures show that they still face challenges accessing such protection where available.

We examine a Way Forward, in this issue of the publication.

Happy Reading!
THE HIDDEN TOLL OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN CAMEROON 👇